Pride shines through in parents' inspirational letters to high school graduates
The class of 2022 is the third class to graduate after the pandemic began. Like the classes before them, that means many milestones were affected and school was a mix of masked, unmasked and online.
For many students, over half of their high schools were affected.
Despite these challenges and many more, the class of 2022 still walked across the stage and into their next phase of life. Their loved ones have shared letters of support.
Omarion Calloway
Park Crossing High School
***
To our son Omarion,
The day has finally come for you to receive your high school diploma. Oh, where the time has gone. I remember when you was 7 months old, you decided to take your first step. I knew then, that I wouldn't be holding your hand for long. And I was right. After you started to walk without my assistance, you were unstoppable. You were like that child that wanted to get into everything.
You went from walking at 7 months, talking full sentences at 2 years old, and writing your whole name at 5 years old. I knew then you were special.
You have grown into a handsome, respectful, driven, intelligent young man. And we're proud to call you our son.
We love you, and we're so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. Your grandmother is looking down on you from heaven with the biggest smile on her face. Son, you have beat all the odds of a young black man not only graduating from high school but getting accepted to one of the top elite colleges (NYU).
I know it has been hard for you not having your father in your life, but your uncle Cedric/Antonio, and your stepfather Brantley tried their best to make up for that. Through it all, you stood strong and never let that deter you from loving life. You been through a lot, and you being you, you always kept a smile on your face.
Son, now it's time for you to embark on new a journey (College and the real world), and we know that you're excited to leave home, but don't forget the reason why you're there. Always stay humble, stay driven, stay strong, and prove them wrong. We're going to miss you, and always remember, that God got you.
P. S. Don't forget to call your parents.
Love your mom and Brantley
Dante Johnson
Alabama Connections Academy
***
Dante,
We are so proud of this major accomplishment you have achieved. You have grown to be such a caring, responsible young man. We wish the best future for you as you go out into the world to explore whatever it is you desire whether it may be to further your education, a career, or finding your way in other areas. We pray that you continue to follow your heart and do what you enjoy and not fall to the pressures of the negative things in this world. We love you and congratulate you!!!
Mom & Dad
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Cooper Ethan James Walley
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
***
Dear Cooper,
Once we become parents, it’s not just about our own milestones in life we look forward to reaching. It’s more about the milestones of our children that bring us joy and give us that sense of pride that we as parents did not fail you because that is always our greatest fear. From your first birthday with a Finding Nemo cake, those first wobbly steps, that first word (which was momma), starting kindergarten at five, turning thirteen and becoming a teenager, getting your driver's license at sixteen and making that first road trip to Louisiana, and turning eighteen and graduating from high school, you have been a joy to watch grow and reach each of those milestones. You are the light of my life, my heart, my son and it has been a true privilege and blessing as a mom to watch you grow into the fine young man that you are. Happy Graduation, Love mom.
Shateia Lofton
Choctaw County High School
***
Hey Shateia,
It's Mommy. I'm so proud of you. You have become such an intelligent young woman. I wish and hope life treats you fair. I hope nursing school is all you want it to be. Mommy loves you honey!
Thomas Stovall
Alabama Christian Academy
***
Thomas, I am very proud of your hard work, dedication and the young man you have become. Son, I know that your Dad is looking down smiling at your accomplishments. We love you and I will always be your number one cheerleader. Love Mom
Rodricas Demarcus Hampton Jr.
Jefferson Davis High School
***
We are so proud of the respectful, humble young man you have turned out to be. Through all of the obstacles you have faced these last past 3 years, you never gave up. We all love you RJ. Continue to strive for the best. Your family.
Gabrielle Denise Duff
Ezekiel Academy
***
Parent’s Written Blessing – Gabby, The Lord has blessed us with an incredible honor of being your parents. It has been such a joy seeing you grow from a child into a beautiful and intelligent young lady. We are so amazed at how you have grown in God’s Word and how you have excelled in your academic achievements. Gabby, we want you to know that we are so proud of you, and our prayer is that you will allow God to lead you in every aspect of your life. Be encouraged in knowing that no weapon formed against you shall prosper as long as you put God first. We love you, Sunshine!
Senior’s Life Verse – The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Love you,
Shawn and Danielle Duff
Miaya Armani Coleman
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
***
Miaya Armani Coleman,
We can't begin to tell you how loved you are! Time has flown, and we are so proud of your accomplishments and achievements thus far. Forgive us when tears fall from our eyes with joy for the woman you have become. Yesterday, you stood before us a quiet, timid, precious little girl. Today, you stand beautiful, intelligent, strong-minded, and determined. One thing that will not change, you will always be our "SWEET BABY GIRL"!
Always remember that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! You will leave a young woman but return a successful woman in the world of medicine. No matter where life leads you, no matter what you do, we'll always be your biggest fans, and we'll always be here for you.
Love Your Support Team,
Mom, Dad, Stepmom, Stepdad, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, and Niece.
Ja’Dasia Harris
Jefferson Davis High School
***
Congratulations Dasia. You have always made me so proud! I love you more than you’ll ever know. Love Mom.
Jaylin Tramez McLean
Robert E. Lee High School
***
Dear Jaylin,
Congratulations on your graduation! I’m extremely proud of you! Keep God first, an the rest will follow! While being the awesome young man you are, continue to strive and be GREAT in everything you do! I remember like yesterday, when you were a baby! I love you son! You did it! Lee High School #Classof2022
Sincerely Mom
Mark Boggan
BrewTech Magnet High School
***
Dear Mark,
I am so proud of the young man you've become. You have worked hard, maintained your grades and have kept out of trouble. I am so excited to see what the next chapter of your life brings. You never know who you are going to need, so always be kind, respectful, patient and loving to the people you meet. Thank you for being a sweet big brother and role model to Alyssa. Go create memories, make friends, create your own "village", and live life to the fullest. If you ever need anything, I am always a phone call away. I am proud to call you my son. I love you!
Love,
Mom
Chris Crenshaw
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
***
Chris,
Where has the time gone - You have grown up so fast!
We are so proud of the amazing young man you have grown into. You are such a hard worker and have a very giving heart. We have no doubt that you will achieve greatness in your life.
Remember to keep God first and you can achieve anything.
Our entire family is sending you this special letter to express just how proud we are of you!
Your graduation is such a special occasion for us all. Chris, your commitment to becoming-your-very-best has truly paid-off. You are a great young man, and we are so proud.
We know that your life after graduation will be great. Continue to treat others with the same level of respect that you would hope to receive, and always be yourself.
Chris, continue to handle your business but always remember to have fun too because life is a joy. Take time to relax, take care of yourself, and do some of the things in life that you have always wanted.
We are so proud of you and thankful for the great young man that you have become.
Love,
Mom, Dad, Nick, Emory, your Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Family Friend
Akira Garrett
Booker T. Washington Magnet High School
***
Dear Akira: We know the past four years have not been the easiest from your high school (BTW Magnet) burning down the same month you started your ninth grade year to the pandemic that shut everything down right at the beginning of Spring Break during your 10th and 11th grade year and not being able to hang out with your friends or go places that you loved to go and now it is time to Graduate (your last year in high school). You never really had a high school experience, but this proves that no matter what obstacles you are faced with; you can and will rise above it all. You have amazed your dad and I since the day you were born with your great sense of humor, your amazing attitude, you are strong and courageous in so many ways, and have a love for everyone…I really admire that in you. In Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)- says Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. As you walk across the stage to get your diploma and enter the next amazing stage of your life. I know God have some amazing blessings for you with your name on them, God will show you exactly what to do and how to get those blessings that he have in store for you…continue to stay focused, pray, listen to God, remember all that you have been taught, and God will pour out his blessings in your life. The Story does not end here but continues to the next chapter of an amazing life…. Love Always, Momma, Daddy, & Your Sisters’
Destini Kolom
Booker T. Washington Magnet High School
***
Destini,
I am so proud of you and what you have become. I know you are going to do amazing things on this next journey of your life. You are an amazing young woman. I am so proud to call you my daughter. Congratulations on your graduation!
Mama
Taigan Sharvea Cabble
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
***
Our Dearest Taigan,
It has been an absolute pleasure watching you blossom throughout these wonderful 18 years. We are so grateful that you are focused, humble and passionate about your future.
As you go on the exciting new journey that lies ahead, be fearless! Get ready for this next chapter, get ready to discover who you are…be determined, be unwavering, have a courageous heart and grow into the woman you were raised to be. Congratulations to our future Architect!
We Love You,
Mom & Dad
Jamari Dewayne Frazier
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
***
To: Jamari Frazier
Graduate of 2022. I knew the first day I met you, July 5, 2004, you were extraordinary. You always show kindness, respect and love to everyone you meet. Continue to grow and be your own man! I love you.
From: Mom
Hailey MacKenzie Mullins
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
***
Hailey,
You are life's greatest gift to us. You have such spirit and a character all of your own. You are a doer and an achiever of what you believe in. We are so proud of the dreams you have and the conviction you have to make those dreams come true. You have been life's greatest gift to us, and we love you so much. Words could never express how proud of you we are and the young woman that you are becoming. Always keep God first and allow him to direct your path. Jeremiah 29:11" For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord," plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We love you and are so proud of you.
Love Always and Forever,
Mom, Dad, Papa, Nana, Uncle Jon, Kenzie, and Skylar
Jazmine Rayne Moorer
Booker T. Washington Magnet High School
***
Jazmine Rayne,
First of all, we give thanks and all praises to God for you and for him allowing you to make it to this milestone in life. This is a major accomplishment and we know you will continue to do great things. You are undeniably one of the most amazing gifts in our lives.
You are an amazing free spirit, a capable and gifted young woman. You have an open-mind and a beautiful conscience. Your genuine love for family and friends is a rare gem.
We love the fighting nature that you have. Freshman year a fire stole your dream school. You went home on Spring Break Sophomore year only to be hit with a pandemic that caused your Junior year to be virtual. Fast forward to now, you persevere and you are now a high school graduate.
Keep pushing forward. You have come this far by faith and faith will continue to carry you. Granny is looking down smiling.
Congratulations for a job well done. We love you Jazmine Rayne.
Love always,
Mom, dad, your sisters Jenja and Joydan, and your aunts and uncles
Brian J (BJ) Robinson
Booker T. Washington Magnet
***
Brian (BJ),
It’s your mom. Dad and I say everyday now what am I going to do when you are gone? I would say I don’t know, but I do know. I will do what I expect you to do hold your head high and be proud, because that’s what I am. Im so proud of you. It’s your time and I want you to enjoy it. Go out into the big world with your head held high and be the strong, smart, handsome, loyal, faith-filled, and loving man that you are. Continue to laugh, dance, and pray daily. I cannot wait to see you put your mark on the world. I couldn’t be more proud, love you always- mom.
It’s your dad and I must start with “My Boy”. It has been amazing watching you grow up to be the man you are becoming. I joke about what mom will do when your gone, but it snuck up on me as well. It seems like only yesterday we were fastening you in your seat and making sure you didn’t have anything to throw out of the window. Now you are graduating. Here is where life begins. I love you son, “My Boy”.
You were BJ before you were Brian. It has grown with you but today for us has a different meaning, you are our Brilliant Joy. It has been just that being your parents a brilliant joy. We tried to pour as much in as we could and we just know you will do great. We are always here for you. No matter what. Love always and forever, -Mom and Dad - Robin and Torris Langford
Madison C Morgan
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
***
We are proud of you & your accomplishments! We’ve watched you grow and transform, into an Amazing young lady. That you are today. We cannot wait, to see the next chapter in your life. Here’s a couple verses to take with you on your journey.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is
And
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer
We Love you!!
Brady Hughes
Prattville Christian Academy
***
Dear son...
Yesterday you graduated. We celebrated 14 years of your life and all you've accomplished. Soak it all in. You were our peace. You always did what we asked and didn’t fuss or talk back. You made it easy on us.
Don't grow up too fast- not because we don't want you to (and we don’t) but because you don't need to. Everything is fast these days- food, love, internet, cars. There's something remarkable about being against the grain and taking it slow. Bad thing is, you don't really realize it until you do it all really fast and want to take it back.
Never trust yourself when you are tired or emotional. Both will happen, repeatedly. Allow yourself to be tired and emotional because they have to happen. Just know that your judgement isn't on point when those two things occur.
We know you. We know how you trust people. Guard yourself. We didn't and haven't and we’ve taken some falls for that. Never believe that we had all the answers. We didn’t. Never blame us for our mistakes- we made lots of them but we were clueless too. Never blame yourself for your mistakes. That’s what we learn from. Love people for who they are, not who you want them to be.
Never leave your drink at a table. Never take one from anybody else. Always watch your surroundings because we've sheltered you. Your school sheltered you, your teachers sheltered you. You don't find people like that every day. Not everyone wants to shelter you. Hard lesson to learn.
Never drink and drive. Never text and drive. Just don't. Nobody who ever did thought they'd be the next one to leave the earth.
Never feel like you are alone. You never will be. There are always helpers if me, your dad and brothers and sister aren't here. Always. Never get so distraught that you think there's nobody and not a solution. The next day is ALWAYS better. Promise. Splash your face with cold water if you have anxiety. It literally changes your nervous system over from the fight or flight response.
Grades? mehhhh....never thought we’d say that. We’ve learned a lot in my old age, the first being that nobody cares what you made in high school chemistry or college chemistry for that matter. They don't make you. Never have and never will. Have fun. Be a good person. That's what you and others will remember.
Choose your friends wisely. They will determine almost everything about you. Never let a woman (or man) with a bad haircut, cut your hair. Never eat food at a place with a food grade lower than a 93.
Never trust a man with “preacher hair.”
Boy, you get up and go to church even if you feel like trash. The one thing in our lives that's been a constant is Him. You won't feel like it. You will feel like He's in another universe some days. It's not Him....it's you that's in another universe. He is, He was, and always will be your Creator. Trust Him even when it seems like you don't know if you can. We promise. Hasn't ever failed us.
We have so much more to tell you. Mostly, know that me and your daddy and brothers and sister will never leave you. You were supposed to be here and be here in your own way and in the way that God determined. We are so grateful to God for your existance and for the privelege to raise you. You are an Auburn Tiger now. Go and be exactly what God wanted you to be- don't listen to anybody tell you that you can't because ain't nothing gonna stop God. Not us, not the world, nobody.
We love you, son. Happy Graduation 2022.
Jemma Stephenson is the children and education reporter for the Montgomery Advertiser. She can be reached at jstephenson@gannett.com or 334-261-1569.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Parents write inspirational letters to Montgomery's 2022 graduates
