The FCHS Class of 2019 is Ready for the World
-The following first appeared in The Floyd Press on May 30 and June 6, 2019. At the 57th Graduation Ceremonies Friday evening, Principal Barry Hollandsworth addressed an overflow crowd and welcomed the 2019 graduating seniors – 34 honor students, those going on to universities and community colleges, technical schools, the military and the workforce. Whatever your path in life, I hope you remember the sign at this school, he said. “Be committed to what you choose to do.”
Superintendent Wheeler advised the class in his Welcome speech, “Continue to approach life with the same positive mindset you have today.”
“Life is about showing up and caring about your impact,” he said, concluding by asking the seniors to remember where they came from. “Know that there is always someone here who cares about you, someone who wants you to be successful.”
Class Salutatorian, Victoria Pratt-Myers, spoke about the impact her teachers have had one her, mentioning one that taught her how to register to vote. Her parting advice was a reminder that “everything is achievable through hard work, dedication and perseverance.”
Class president, Lydia Bowman, referred to the class as one “overflowing with talent.” She, who gave daily announcements during the school year, gave a mock final announcement, “We did it. Everything in our lives has led up to this moment…Always remember who you are and never forget where you came from.”
In her Valedictorian speech, Rosa Maria Lovo spoke of her parents – her El Salvadorian father was 13 when he came to the U.S. with his family, who were refugees escaping civil war, and her mother is from Floyd.
Lovo, the first Floyd County High School (FCHS) African-American/Latino Valedictorian, was graduating with a GPA of 4.5, as announced by principal Hollandsworth when he introduced her. Lovo talked about how connected we all are, her high school career in theater and varied life experiences. She encouraged everyone to “become the story you always wanted to hear told back….” – Colleen Redman
Photos: 1. Class Valedictorian Rosa Maria Lovo gave her address at 2019 Floyd County High School Graduation. On stage with Lovo were (left to right) Superintendent Dr. John Wheeler, Principal Barry Hollandsworth, Assistant Principal Travis Cantrell, Class president Lydia Bowman and Salutatorian Victoria Pratt-Meyers. 2. Graduation seniors perform with the FCHS Senior Chorus. 3. A row of 2019 seniors prepare to file up to the stage to receive their diplomas. 4. A graduate receives a handshake from Superintendent Dr. John Wheeler. 5. A newly graduated senior displays his diploma. 6. Parents and friends snap pictures as the graduates leave the stage. 7. Graduation Marshalls take their places at the close of ceremony. 8. Graduates spill out onto the parking lot.
9. These graduates are all smiles.
10. Graduates mingle with family and friends in the parking lot after the ceremonies.
11. Congratulations are in order.
12. Hugs were freely given and recieved.
13. There was lots of posing for pictures following the ceremonies.
14. The Goorskey and Pratt families pose with graduate Lily Pratt. Pratt is the daughter of Anna Gorskey and John Pratt.
Valedictorian Rosa Maria Lovo, pictured with her mother Tracy, said she received a full scholarship to the University of Richmond and will be majoring in Global Studies.
