Scott High School’s fieldhouse sounded like a homecoming celebration as family members and friends honored the class of 2019 during Wednesday’s commencement. With a large audience present, graduates were met with not only support from faculty but also their graduating peers.
Twin brothers and Scott High School’s valedictorian Deontae Wright and salutatorian Deontre Wright bade their cohort a farewell as they both gave the commencement address.
Reminiscing on the road to graduation, the twins specifically applauded not only themselves but their African American male peers for beating the statistics and not becoming high school drop outs.
“Greatness comes from the desire to do extraordinary things, to reach beyond and relentlessly chase your dreams,” Deontre and Deontae said.
This definition of greatness hits home for Scott High School graduate Javon Johnson, as he walked across the stage in honor of his deceased parents.
Losing his mother in October 2018 and his father two years ago, Mr. Johnson, 18, said that finishing his senior year was difficult. However, as his name was called his immediate family rose on their feet and waved cut-out figures of Mr. Johnson to salute his resilience.
With diploma in hand, Mr. Johnson told The Blade that in spite of the recent tragedy, he was determined to complete his goal of graduating.
“I did everything for my family, it was lightweight hard because my mom just passed.Not having both parents at graduation is kind of hard but you know I completed a goal, and I’m going to keep going forward.” He added that the ongoing support of his family has made a lasting impression.
“ I love it. Every time my family comes out it’s always going to be big. I shout out everybody that comes and supports me.”
Among Mr. Johnson’s family was his cousin Maria Bofia, whom Mr. Johnson has since moved in with following the passing of his mother. Too speechless to further remark, she recited a poem that she wrote for Mr. Johnson commending him on his perseverance and diligence.
“How can I tell you that I admire your persistence to succeed against tough obstacles and situations. How can I tell you that so many adults have noted your respect for any and everyone around you,” She read. Mr. Johnson hopes to soon play football at the collegiate level. He’s yet to commit to a university.
As Scott High School principal Carnel Smith praised the graduating class for all their athletic and academic accomplishment, he gave a final word of advice — encouraging the students to embrace all of life’s many challenges.
“During the rain that’s when the leaves grow on the trees, that’s when the grass grows, that’s when the flowers bloom,” Mr. Smith said. “Growth occurs during the most difficult time, so get ready to endure bulldogs. I want you to look at the beauty once the storm is over.”
Deontae and Deontre Wright said they soon hope to return to Scott High School with resources to empower the forthcoming generations of Bull dogs.
“Looking forward we want to be so financially successful and so morally strong that in the near future we’ll be able to return to Scott and put action and money into the statement ‘once a bulldog, always a bulldog’”.
This year’s graduate class included 98 seniors.
First Published May 30, 2019, 1:21 a.m.
