PLAS graduates receive diplomas

The Pike Liberal Arts Patriot seniors were full of emotion as they prepared to take their final walk to Delaney Kervin Stadium on Tuesday, with memories and plans for the future exchanged amongst the soon-to-be graduates.

“I’ve become a lot closer to the senior class this week which is kind of ironic,” said Lauren Wiggins, a graduating senior. “Everyone is talking about their plans for the future and for after graduation so it’s a lot of fun to hear what everyone’s going to do.”

Pike Liberal Arts School held its 42^nd commencement exercises Tuesday night, with 46 seniors receiving their diplomas.

Pike County Probate Judge Wes Allen delivered the keynote address to the Patriot seniors, along with speeches from valedictorian Josh Starling and salutatorian Amy Fleming.

Starling took time in his address to speak of the things that brought the class together and carried them to graduation, citing the personal relationships with family, friends and with God while Fleming noted the potential of the class and their ability to “make our life what we want it to be.”

“This group has the capacity to do tremendous things in the future,”  said Pike Liberal Arts Headmaster Ceil Sikes. “I hope that they take every opportunity and blessing they’re given to go on and make us proud. They’ve all had a lot of support and I hope they use that to every advantage in life. They have a lot of potential in many aspects.”

Above all of the pomp of the commencement, the seniors expressed a readiness to move on to the next stage of life.

“It’s kind of nerve-wracking but also very exciting,” graduating senior Michael Maestri said. “I’m ready to move on to some new things. It’s bittersweet to know that this is the last time some of us will see each other, but it’s a good feeling to be able to move on to the next level.”