RCHS Graduates ‘Take Flight’

Principal, Student Speakers Encourage Class At Graduation

Rockbridge County High School celebrated the graduation of its senior class consisting of 224 students last Thursday night at Cameron Hall.

In his opening remarks to the graduating class, senior class president Luke Eversole first recognized individuals who helped the Rockbridge County school division. He then talked about how the graduates are stepping into their next chapter of life and might not have everything figured out.

“There’s no similar path. Looking around this gym tonight, it is really comforting to realize each of us has a unique journey ahead, and while we might not be able to achieve that journey today or tomorrow, or even in 10 years, eventually we will,” Eversole said.

He then shared a personal anecdote about his greatgrandfather who did not have the same opportunities as today’s graduates as he was drafted into World War II and as a result, did not get to choose his own path after school. Eversole used this to remind the graduating class that they have the privilege to choose their own path, so they should embrace it.

“But tonight, every single one of us has an incredible privilege of forging our own path,” he said. “And while that uncertainty does come with a lot of fear, it’s really important to look at that fear through a different lens and see that it is truly a gift to be able forge our own path.”

Following Eversole, RCHS Principal Dr. Michael Craft addressed the class of 2025.

After acknowledging all the educators who helped the class of 2025 to succeed, Craft had a moment of silence for Jennarae Goodbar who would’ve graduated with this class, but passed away in 2018. He then used the analogy of RCHS as a nest that raised the students.

“The last four years, Rockbridge County High School has been your second home, somewhat like a nest, where you build friendships, relationships, expand your knowledge base, grow your voice, and overcome challenges,” Craft explained. “This nest was built by teachers who challenged you, family that supported you, friends that stood by you, and a community that believed in you.”

He concluded his speech by wishing the students well on their next steps and continued with his nest and bird metaphor.

“This is the time to take flight and begin your own journey, whether that be college, military, career or some other path,” Craft said.

RCHS salutatorian Paul Druml followed Craft’s address and spoke of the people who’ve helped the RCHS class of 2025 to this moment and the future that lays ahead of them. He acknowledged the people in his life that have helped him to reach this moment and then thanked those who have helped the entire class.

“I know that each and every one of you here tonight has their own group of people who have brought life to your dreams and carried you to tonight. So my advice: show your gratitude to these people, because what is left unsaid may stay with you for the rest of your lives,” Druml said.

He concluded his speech by explaining to the graduating class that their experiences and hard work have led them to this point in their lives and will help them navigate their lives in the future.

“Through hard work and effort we have all made it to tonight, but our journeys do not end here. The lessons we’ve learned and the bonds we’ve built at RCHS will aid us wherever the world takes us. We each have a future to conquer and a dream to chase,” Drumbl said.

Following Drumbl was the final speaker of the night, Spencer Pfaff, the valedictorian of the RCHS class of 2025.

Pfaff greeted the class and thanked the people who have helped him: teachers, other students, family and friends in the audience. He then jokingly gave some apologies to various integral pieces of his time at RCHS such as the Chromebooks and the teachers.

“To the teachers, I’d like to say I’m sorry. Sorry that you’ll never have a class quite as talented and as funny as the class of 2025 ever again,” Pfaff joked.

He then talked about his struggle to write his valedictorian speech and how his father inspired him to take advantage of all opportunities.

“More and more I began to dread this responsibility. I thought what the consequences would be by calling in sick to graduation, until I remembered the lesson I learned from my dad: never shy away from an opportunity, especially if it means getting outside of your comfort zone. So I’m glad I’m here today giving this speech to all of you,” Pfaff remarked.

He concluded by encouraging his class to take advantage of all opportunities that arise and to seek challenges.

“And if from this speech, you only remember one thing, I want it to be this: seek challenges. They’re the best way to learn and grow. And in the wise words of Wayne Gretzky, ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,’” Pfaff concluded.