PMHS Graduation Speakers Talk About Being A ‘Blue’
When the final familiar strains of the National Anthem faded, a resounding “Go Blue!” echoed around VMI’s Cameron Hall.
That was not so surprising. This was Parry McCluer High School’s graduation ceremony, after all, and almost all in attendance had been conditioned to scream out those words after every rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner,” a tradition at every PMHS sporting event. This time, however, those words became the theme of Parry McCluer’s 105th commencement as 65 seniors graduated last Friday night in Lexington.
“I have come to value the many attributes of what it means to be a Blue,” said PMHS Principal Todd Jones in his address to the class of 2025. “I have learned that it is family, that it is connections, that it is grit, that it is excellence, that it is competition, that it is performance, and that it is pride and legacy.”
All of the speakers at Friday night’s festivities touched on at least one of those attributes. Perhaps none of them captured the spirit of being a “Blue” better than salutatorian Olive King.
King was the lone member of the Parry McCluer swimming team this year, and she recalled the many meets where she would stand poolside as her school’s only representative, listening to that National Anthem and mouthing “Go Blue” as the final notes faded. It was a lonely feeling, she said, until senior night by that pool.
On that night, the stands were full of people there to support her, and when the song ended, a full-throated “Go Blue” went up from the stands.
“[It] literally sent chills across my body,” said King. “I was immediately brought to tears as I could feel the power of our school pride and love coming from so many people.”
“Buena Vista is known for its tight-knit community,” said senior class president Logan Vest. “Our small school is no different. Behind every one of us is a village of support: teachers who pushed us, mentors who guided us, and, most importantly, our parents and families who never stopped believing in us.”
Vest offered the usual thanks to the important people in her life, and she illustrated how the people at Parry McCluer, particularly her teachers and coaches, helped her and her classmates embody the attribute of grit.
“You never let us settle for less than our best,” Vest said. “You taught us resilience, fellowship and grit. You showed us what it means to be disciplined, to push through pain and to show up even when we didn’t feel like it.”
“This year wasn’t just a collection of days or events,” added class historian Malik Mosby. “It was late nights, early mornings, lessons that pushed us to grow and memories that have rooted themselves deep in who we are.”
As important as hard work and community are to those who spoke at Friday night’s ceremony, valedictorian Nathan Lee added one more attribute that is important to those who call themselves Blues.
“Integrity [is] one of the core values of being a Blue,” he said. “Our integrity is something else that comes with us wherever we go. It’s one of our most valuable possessions. It’s one of the few things we have complete control over.”
Jones called all of these attributes “legacy” and praised the legacy that the class of 2025 would be leaving behind.
“Your collective legacies will be remembered for years to come,” the principal said. “Remember your many successes; remember your failures so you can learn from them; but more importantly, remember your legacy so you can help other in the community.”
“I’d like to believe that while these were some of the best days, the majority are still ahead of us,” Vest added. “We didn’t just pass time here; we became someone here. It wasn’t about becoming the best; it was about become the best version of ourselves.”
DURING GRADUATION practice on Thursday, the PMHS senior class had asked Principal Todd Jones to shave his head for graduation, so he shaved it to honor them. He referenced his “shiny” head during the ceremony Friday. AT LEFT, Jones hands a diploma to Shaun Huffman as Superintendent Tony Francis (left) looks on and Assistant Principal Troy Clark prepares to read the next name. (all photos by Stephanie Mikels Blevins)
ABOVE, after giving his “Good Morning Parry McCluer” to his classmates – something he had done for the morning announcements – historian Malik Mosby (left) returns to his seat with the other student speakers – Logan Vest, Olive King and Nathan Lee. AT RIGHT, grabbing a selfie are Kamilah Richardson, PresleyAustin and Kylie Ramsey.
ABOVE, graduates Katey Shifflett and Bryson Smith make it official as they switch their tassels. AT RIGHT, valedictorian Nathan Lee addresses his classmates.
