Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

As the sun set behind the trees surrounding Bobby W. Sharp Stadium, 104 high school students took their place on the football field waiting to become graduates.

Principal Stacey Graves would be unable to attend as her son was graduating from Perry County High School. In lieu of her absence Mrs. Stacy Smith took over by introducing students and recognizing their proud parents and grandparents.

Caden Anderson led the crowd in prayer before turning the microphone over to Layla Graves, President of the Class of 2022.

"Welcome graduates, teachers, faculty, friends and family to the moment we have all been wishing would come a little sooner.. unless your name is Roxanne Cagle and you're my mom," Graves said. "Throughout High School I was blessed to meet some of the people who have helped [shape] the girl who is standing before you today.."

She continued by mentioning one of her favorite teachers, Mr. Shelton, and reminisced on her time as a cheerleader.

"Nothing could stop me from being at my first football game, not even pneumonia. From spending hours on signs just for them to be ripped through, to yelling 'Rambo' until I was horse, to learning the tempo of 'Rocky Top' was purely based on how excited the band was, and none of that would have been possible if it weren't for Jennifer Carroll. She is still to this day one of the biggest role models in my life. She celebrated us for big accomplishments and always knew that criticism was key in order to succeed. She never let us forget to have fun and laugh, but most importantly she taught me not to roll her house because she caught us before we even got started," said Graves.

She also talked about Reagan Clayton and Dr. Melissa Burney who helped her learn the discipline of creating a yearbook.

"As much love and support as I receive at school, I've been blessed to receive just as much or even more at home," Graves said. "The definition of a constant is this: unchangingly faithful and dependable. I am lucky enough to be blessed with two; my mom and my brother. They show me what love is and how to love without condition. My brother showed me how to grow up with anticipation rather than fear by living every moment to the fullest. My mom showed me what strength looks like even when you don't know how to be strong. They are my rock, my biggest cheerleaders and the best friends that I could ask for."

She spoke about the loss of her grandfather and the advice he had given her, and said the Class of 2022 had learned what it felt like to miss someone when they lost their classmate Kainen Blake Coble. She told the story she and Coble having a wedding on the playground in the First Grade, and how their friends had been the officiant, bridesmaids and groomsmen.

"We all feel the weight of him being gone, but I'm sure if he were here he would be making faces at me, trying to get me to mess up my speech," she said with a smile. "Our high school days have come to an end, and we are beginning the next chapter of our lives. No matter your path I hope that it brings you nothing but pure happiness, and I encourage you to focus not on who you are [now] but who you want to be."

Graves then introduced Salutatorian Jon Lower III. He spoke of how Friday would be the last day for all of them to be together, to walk through the hallways, walk across the football field and the last time to joke with coaches and teachers.

"We'll all go our separate ways and have our own lives, and accomplish our own goals. But as we move on with our lives, we ask for God's blessing on the scariest and most dangerous and the greatest adventure that anyone can have; life," said Lower.

He then introduced Class of 2022's Valedictorian Chloe Dye by saying he admired her hard work and determination. Dye took the podium and for her introduction, then shared a poem written for older sister's graduation before their mother passed away.

"Although it was written for my sister, I believe it pertains to our graduating class," began Dye, "'Lord, I come to you in Jesus's name and give [my daughter] to you. I am convinced that you alone know what is best for her. You alone know what she needs. I release her to you to care for, protect, teach and guide. And I commit myself to praying for everything concerning her that you put on my heart. Teach me to pray and guide me. Help me to not impose my own will but enable me to pray that your will be done..

Katelin Carroll

John Lower III

"'Thank you for the precious gift of this child. For your word says, every perfect gift comes from you.. Help me release her into your protection, guidance and counsel. Help me not live in fear of possible danger, but in the joy and peace of knowing you are in control. I rely on you for all," said Dye.

She shared that she decided to read her mom's writing for the parents and grandparents who may be struggling with letting go of their children and "for some of the graduates who may not have had the chance to be cared for in this way. You are now an honorary member of my family."

Once all graduates had their chance to be recognized for their academic achievements and receive their diplomas, Graves and Dye released a purple balloon in honor and memory of their classmate, Kainen Coble.