Past experiences won’t determine the futures of the 53 graduates at Goshen High School.

Valedictorian Jared Maddox told his classmates and a full house at the Eagles Nest that only each graduate could be responsible for their own future.

“Today we are graduates, and we can make whatever we want of our futures,” he said. “I prefer to follow the creed carpe diem and challenge each of you to make the most of each day from this point forward.”

Commencement exercises also include addresses by Salutatorian Parker McCann, who admonished the class to remain humble and that unity makes a lasting impression.

“As a single student, I don’t believe I left a big mark (on Goshen High), but together as a class, we have made an impact,” he said.

Senior Class President Katherine Little welcomed students and guests to the 92nd commencement exercise.

“We have a proud tradition at Goshen High School that stretches nearly a century,” said Bart Snyder, a GHS alumnus of the year who has taught and coached at the school for almost two decades.

“This year’s graduating class certainly upholds that tradition and we’re all very proud of them,” he said.

Standout student athlete Ivia Pollard, who plans to enter Troy University in the fall and ultimately study forensic examination at Alabama State University, said teamwork pulled her class together.

“Tonight means a lot. We’ve struggled through the years, but we’ve helped each other make it through,” she said. “We are a team.”

Clay Tomski, who transferred into Goshen as a freshman, said his experiences at the school provided him a good perspective.

“I value my experiences here and those have taught me to think with my mind and my heart,” he said.

Tomski, who set a goal early on to finish high school in the top 10 academically, will be a part of the aerospace program at Middle Tennessee State University this fall.

Principal Warren Weeks, assisted by Assistant Principal Major Lane, Superintendent Mark Bazzell, Board of Education Member Chris Wilkes and Pike County Probate Judge Wes Allen, presented diplomas to the graduates.