Kerry Hussey, valedictorian of the Zion Chapel High School Class of 2019, did not wish her 56 classmates fame or fortune, she wished them “happiness.”

As Hussey waited for the commencement ceremony to begin Monday night at Zion Chapel’s Green Memorial Stadium, she didn’t hesitate when asked what she wished for herself and her classmates. “Happiness,” she said with a smile as she looked down the long line of classmates who were anxiously awaiting all the “Pomp and Circumstance” before them.

“Today is the day we have anticipated for a long time,” Hussey said, speaking to her classmates, during the Valedictory Address. “Over the years, we have grown as a family. Now, we will go in different directions. We are standing at a crossroads and we’ll have to decide which path we will take. Life is full of choices.”

Hussey encouraged her classmates to remember that, no matter what choices they make, it is important to never give up on their dreams.

She expressed appreciation to those who have stood by the side of each member of the Zion Chapel Class of 2019 – their parents, families, teachers, classmates and friends. The class valedictorian said it is now time to venture into the world.

“Be willing to take risks, stay strong and stay humble,” she said.

Whitney Childs, class salutatorian, said graduation day was a great achievement but it did not come without struggles.

She thanked God, parents and teachers for the life lessons learned and for the confidence the Zion Chapel Class of 2019 has it is moves into the unknown.

“We are ending our journey of 13 years as a family,” she said. “We are parting ways but we have grown together in heart. We will always have that bond.”

Childs challenged her classmates  to take what they have learned, and the experiences they have had and “now, go out and make it count.”

Vohn Enloe, principal of Zion Chapel High School, said the Class of 2019 is composed of 57 super individuals and an even more super collective group.

Each student has made an individual contribution to the class and each will make a significant  contribution wherever he or she goes and along life’s chosen path, Enloe said.

“This is an outstanding class,” he said. “They are hard-working and they are resilient. They will take advantage of their opportunities and they will be productive, contributing citizens. We wish them all the best as they move forward in life.”