Celebrating ’24

Live each day to the fullest.

Keep your mind open to the possibilities.

And remember to give thanks.

Jay County High School’s Class of 2024 heard those messages Sunday as the community celebrated 208 students who earned their diplomas.

Class vice president Nicholas Lyons referenced the sitcom, “The Office.” He noted his favorite episode from the show, which ended in 2013.

“That leaves me thinking, what has been my favorite episode (of high school) the past four years? And I’ve come to the conclusion that I simply just can’t pick one,” he said.

He likened parts of life to different episodes and seasons in a television series. Now, he continued, is time for members of the Class of 2024 to think about their lives ahead. Lyons encouraged his classmates to seize every opportunity and live a full life.

“So ask yourself, what will my next episode be?” he asked. “Will I make it meaningful? Will I re-watch it and say, I have no regrets? I hope the answer is yes for all of you … I wish all the best to my fellow peers in their future endeavors in which that your efforts pay off during this next episode of life.”

Lyons mentioned a phrase he learned in German class during his junior year. It translated, he explained, to mean “money is not everything.”

“I encourage you to be rich in something else,” he said. “Be rich in love, rich in happiness, rich in friendship and rich in knowledge. Live each day in the moment, focusing on the episode you are living right now, because unlike television, there are no re-winds.”

    Jay School Corporation super-intendent Jeremy Gulley asks parents and guardians to stand Sunday during Jay County High School’s commencement. Gulley noted a number of those standing were once students of his own years ago while he was a junior high history teacher. “That warms my heart, it really does,” he said. (The Commercial Review/Bailey Cline)

 

Jay School Corporation superintendent Jeremy Gulley pointed out Sunday marked a milestone for members of the Class of 2024. He referenced various challenges and obstacles — coursework, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs and relationships — many students have had to balance during their time in school.

“It hasn’t always been easy, but you persevered,” he said. “For that, you should be proud.”

Commencement, he continued, serves as more than just a day for celebrating and receiving a high school diploma. It’s also a day of thanks, he said as he recognized parents and guardians, veterans and those in active military service, the Jay County community and Jay School Corporation staff who have helped graduates along the way. 

“It is good to remember that you have not made it to this day of achievement and celebration on your own,” he said. “Your success is shared by many hearts, many hands.”

Gulley commended students for their dedication, focus and perseverance, as well as their accomplishments in the classroom, athletics and extracurricular programs.

“(They) are a testament to your character and a springboard for your leap into adulthood,” he said. “We are proud of each and every one of you.”

“I want to congratulate you once again on this incredible achievement,” he continued. “You worked hard, you should be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Remember to never stop learning. Remain curious. Be adaptable. Value community. Love your country. And use your talents to make a difference. I have no doubt that you will go on to do great things, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for each and every one of you.”

Lyons left his classmates with one final thought. He referenced Michael Scott, a main character played by Steve Carrell in the first several seasons of “The Office.”

“And remember, even if you’re scared because of all the unknowns regarding your future, Michael Scott once admitted, ‘I knew exactly what to do, but in a much more real sense, I had no idea what to do,’” he said. “So even if you don’t know what to do next, above all else, go out into the world with an open mind, find what you love, do what you love, and do it with your whole heart, just like Michael Scott.”

Photo Gallery

Jay County High School Class of 2024 graduation