Advice to graduates from Chatham County

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As the pastor of Jordan Grove AME Zion Church in Siler City, it gives me great pleasure to speak briefly to each of you. Let me begin by congratulating you all for your hard work and dedication! What an awesome achievement! But please know this...“to whom much is given, much is required.”

This is truly the beginning of the rest of your lives. You’re now taking various pathways that will cultivate your futures and will aide in our society in ways that has never been done before.

Be steadfast about succeeding!

The pandemic is probably one of, if not the most significant, concerns of our time. We need to walk a fine line until this has come to a resolve. No matter what you endeavor to do in this next chapter of your lives, please refer to Matthew Chapter 6 and verse 33 in the Bible that reads: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” And remember as I conclude, be yourself, because everyone else is already taken.

May God continue to richly bless the class of 2020!

Rev. Ricky R. McKinney Sr.

Pastor, Jordan Grove AME Zion Church, Siler City

Be a man or lady of your word… Always protect your character… Family is a valuable asset… Whatever career path you take, strive to do your best… Pat yourself on the back for your accomplishments… Know that you have not failed when you make a mistake, you have just created a learning opportunity.

Cindy Poindexter, IOM

President/CEO, Chatham County Chamber of Commerce

You all are inheriting a challenging time in history. Make sure to first take care of yourself (mentally, emotionally and physically), take care of your environment, and always know that you can do WHATEVER you truly want. You get everything you want or something even better. It’s the law of the universe. Godspeed.

Tami Schwerin

Executive Director, Abundance NC

In matters of relationships, politics, and business, always search for common ground.

Daniel K. Simmons

Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina

Get involved! In what, is up to you. It could be an interest, a concern, something you know nothing about. Every interaction and experience will broaden your perspective on life.

Alyssa Byrd

President, Chatham Economic Development Corporation

2020 graduates, who would have ever thought in the first quarter of this year you would have been challenged with the adversities that you have? We never know what life will throw at us; usually it’s not objects on the scale of a pandemic.

There probably isn’t anything that I can say that you haven’t already heard. What you have gone through, you have survived and now you are ready to either go to work or go to college. Either way, hit it head on and keep your focus. Do not let this determine anything about your course of life other than knowledge you have gained from it. Life is full of obstacles, take them one at a time, conquer them and move on. One thing for sure: the year of your graduation will never be forgotten.

The most important advice I can leave you with is a life verse that has meant everything to me: Proverbs 3:5-6. Live it!

Tim Cunnup

Mayor, Town of Goldston

Balance responsibilities with experiencing life. These last months have helped many “elders” put things in perspective — living in the moment, focusing on what is important (family, friends and health), helping others in need — all focuses that will create a great foundation for young adults. When you venture into your professions, now or years from now, remember that your word represents you and never sacrifice yourself to get ahead.

Lisa Skumpija

Absolute Realty Company, Pittsboro

 

Throughout life you will be faced with many choices — how you make decisions and the decisions you make may forever alter the course of your life. Choose cautiously and wisely. Use all the information available to you and then go out and get some more so you can make the best possible decision that benefits you and your loved ones. Avoid the quick fix and temptation to get it now. Remember, the best rewards are the ones that come through hard work and patience. Do right and your life will be full of happiness and success.

George Greger-Holt

Coordinator, Chatham Drug Free

Read books. If you can fix things, you can always earn a living. As you can be anything, be kind.

Dr. John Dykers, retired

Siler City

Set goals, plan, plan, plan, and then embark on the journey to achieve them. Be tenacious, and don’t ever let anyone convince you that you won’t accomplish your dreams. Separate yourself from anyone who hinders you. React and adapt during adversity and be determined to emerge better for it.

Beth S. McCullough

Executive Director of Secondary Programs & Communications, Chatham Charter School

Congratulations on reaching this milestone of graduation. As you move into your next steps in life, I encourage you to bring energy and consistency every day. Treat others with respect, have a goal for where you want to go, and never forget where you come from.

Josh Harris

Athletic director, Jordan-Matthews High School

Remember where you come from and where you are going. It is important to be humble and feel proud of those people (family, friends, relatives and teachers) who encouraged you to accomplish this milestone. If you are a student who did not have a network of support, I am proud of your resilence. Now that you have graduated, be a mentor to other students who did not have the support you wanted and deserve. Be brave and go change the world by being a good citizen. Stand up for your beliefs, work hard, and have a goal.

Jazmin Mendoza Sosa

Student Support Specialist at Virginia Cross Elementary School

Communities In Schools Chatham County

Perfect your pivot move. You practiced it when COVID-19 changed the way you had to learn and otherwise live. So you have a head-start on adulthood. You’ve proven you can change directions and handle your business. Never forget that.

John McCann

Chatham County Schools public relations coordinator

The most gratifying experience you will have when succeeding is the fact of knowing how hard you worked towards and how much effort you put into your goals and dreams. If you want to have this feeling, go for that goal. Go for that dream. You are the only one responsible for making them true.

José Cerna

Spanish teacher, JV volleyball coach and girls’ soccer coach, Chatham Central High School

 

As you continue to journey through this thing called life, find something you’re passionate about and invest time into it! Remember that success in life comes when you simply refuse to give up with goals so strong that our failures and losses only act as motivation.

Charles Byrd

EC teacher, girls’ basketball coach, Jordan-Matthews High School

 

Never hesitate in asking questions or asking for help! I never turn down my players who ask for advice, or help, no matter the commitment. I want the best for them and would be happy to help them find success. Your mentors feel the same way. Ask for help!

Chip Millard

Girls soccer coach, Jordan-Matthews High School

 

The last four years you have gained an enormous amount of information in school and in life. As you head forward into this next phase of your life, always remember to set your goals, stay focused, and stay humble! When challenging times come, handle it with courage and confidence! Each challenge creates a new possibility! Remember you can always be better today than you were yesterday!

Sherman Howze

Football coach, online facilitator, Chatham Central High School

 

Always look at your experiences as opportunities to learn and enjoy the growth that you experience along the way. When you make mistakes, use them to drive you forward by learning from them and using them as a chance to better yourself. Enjoy successes, and remember every time it seems you lose in life, you win if you learn.

Kevin Forster

Math teacher, boys soccer coach and JV girls basketball coach, Northwood High School

 

Be willing to work at all hours of the day. Never let tough times rule your day. Find a way to bring light to any situation.

Cullen Homolka

Football coach and P.E./health teacher, Northwood High School

 

Carry forward your outstanding courage, positive approach and character. We are so proud of you as both student athletes and proven leaders who remained true to yourselves during unprecedented times. Always remember that we were honored to have coached you… and you have coached all of us as well.

Larry Fritsche

Girls lacrosse coach, Northwood High School