The 215 students in the Fernley High School Class of 2018 took turns walking across the stage June 15 to receive their diplomas, but as they prepare for the next steps in their lives, class valedictorian Jordan Humes had some pointed advice, telling them to make sure there are always better days ahead.
Senior Class president Fidel Gomez, who has aspirations to become Nevada governor, recounted how this year’s senior class was the first graduating class that attended Silverland Middle school, and its students are the last babies born in the 1990s and first born in the 2000s to graduate from high school.
“This city is truly a remarkable place to grow up,” Gomez said. “It shaped us, granting us experiences and building friendships that got us through. We’ve seen the community come together and show that small town love. When I’m governor of Nevada, I will never be embarrassed to say I grew up here, and I hope you do the same.”
Gomez also asked the graduates to make sure to tell their families they love them.
“We never know when our time will come to and end, so make sure your loved ones know you care, because none of us would be here without that support system we have,” he said.
Salutatorian Eric Wootton told the graduates he wants them to remember to take care of each other, and not only the people they’ve grown up with, but the people that raised them and helped them and those around them.
“And taking care of each other isn’t something that’s supposed to be super noticeable,” Wootton said. “It’s not those small things like holding the door open or the big ones like community service. Those are important, but it’s not what I want you to remember from this. I want you to recognize the people around you that are in holes, that have dug themselves in and can’t get out, because those are the people that really need you, and when you’re there for them, they’re going to recognize that and appreciate it.”
Wootton said that’s a lesson he which he had realized sooner.
“And so I want you to go out there and help the people around you that are in those holes, so that you still have them around to share in your victory, in those moments where you can feel proud of yourself.”
Humes recalled the students hearing while in middle school that high school would be the best four years of their lives, and while they were excited to hear that as they prepared to enter high school, he said high school only makes up about five percent of and average American lifespan, and is finished before the average person is done with a quarter of their life.
“If these four years were truly the best four years of our lives, then technically, doesn’t that mean it’s only downhill from here? Doesn’t that mean the remaining thee quarters of our lives are only going to get worse?”
Humes told the graduates he believes their best days should never be in the past.
“I mean it as a reason to always strive to make today your best day, because if you always strive to make the next day your best day, then your best days will never be in your past,” Humes said. “Of course you should also enjoy your past and think about the good and bad times, but then use those memories to make your future better.”
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