Central Haywood graduates turned setbacks into opportunities
Jun. 8—Twenty-five young men and women received their high school diplomas from Central Haywood High School on Monday, June 5, at the Haywood Community College auditorium.
"What a dynamic group of people I get the privilege of working with every day. To describe them in one word, I use the word 'remarkable,'" said Principal Wendy Rogers in her remarks to the graduates and the crowd of well-wishers.
The Class of 2024 is a resilient one. Not only did this year's seniors endure the Covid-19 pandemic during their freshman year in 2020, but a slew of other setbacks along the way.
"We endured a pandemic, a flood, and several relocations," Rogers said. "Throughout your time here, you have faced challenges. Some of you have had to confront personal adversities, while others navigated through barriers. Some of you have attended school in three different locations since you started with us."
Most of all, Rogers said, the graduates did not allow those setbacks to become roadblocks.
"Think back on those moments when it seemed overwhelming. Remember when you questioned your ability? Here you are today, each of you a testament to the fact that persistence and perseverance can overcome anything," Rogers said.
She then tasked the graduates with embracing every opportunity.
"Remember that success is not always linear," she said. "There will be detours, setbacks and, sometimes, moments of doubt. This is the next step toward an amazing, bright future ahead of you. You have overcome obstacles, set goals and been triumphant."
Three students were recognized with a certificate of achievement for sustained effort and outstanding achievement: Emily Bandy, Quinlan Slinkard and Lindzie Barnette.
Four students were acknowledged for their leadership as members of the Superintendent's Advisory Council, which provides an opportunity for high school students to have a seat at the table with the superintendent, Dr. Trevor Putnam — Lindzie Barnette, Flora Lanning, Remington Scott and Janiah West.
There were also two new awards presented at graduation, both chosen by the faculty.
Andrew Moore was selected for the Persistence and Perseverance Award, which recognizes a student who has demonstrated unwavering determination and celebrates his or her ability to maintain a steadfast commitment to goals, Rogers said. In short, this student has "true grit," she said.
Janiah West received the Bulldog Spirit Award, which honors a student who gets along with everyone, is dependable and bold, not afraid to stand their ground, sometimes stubborn, but stays strong in tradition, Rogers said.
Rogers also praised her faculty, who have helped the graduates through four years of hardship.
"We continue to do this because we love students," she said. "You continue to work diligently and passionately to make moments like this amazing for our students."
One of those faculty members — Tyler Stephenson — was recognized as the 2023 Central Haywood High School Teacher of the Year.
"I was not surprised when I saw who was named teacher of the year," Rogers said, who read a list of comments Stephenson's coworkers made about him. "'He is unique, willing to change and grow and to do what it takes. He has never-ending patience, an empathetic nature and his go-with-the-flow attitude is infectious.'"
Stephenson accepted the ward with humble gratefulness.
"So say, 'I'm honored,' is an understatement," Stephenson said. "To work with a staff that is as essential as these guys, I don't feel I deserve this. I'm blessed to work with the best teachers in Haywood County, and the best kids in Haywood County."
