NB Graduates Challenged to Pursue Dreams and Passions

The Northern Bedford County High School held commencement services on Thursday, May 30, in the school's auditorium as a result of the poor weather conditions.

Music for the evening was provided by the NBC Senior High Band Ensemble, under the direction of Jerry L. Berry.

The 55 graduates entered the auditorium to "America the Beautiful" and "Pomp and Circumstance."

A welcome was given to all by fellow graduate Alison Ritchey and a very heartfelt address was given by Brittany Ebersole who quoted Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." In doing she challenged her fellow classmates to shine in their future endeavors.

The guest speaker for the evening was Brian Sell, a NBCSD 1996 alumnus and a very accomplished runner. Sell's accomplishments include qualifying for the 2008 US Olympic team.

Sell also challenged the graduates to pursue their dreams and passions while continuing to be a good person. In his words, "It doesn't matter where you start or where you're going. Only how you get there." Sell made references to his personal athletic goals and the path he took to reach them explaining that it was not always an easy road.

Sell also quoted Luke 6:31, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you," and the 26th President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt, "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

Several students were recognized as winners of awards and honors in Leadership, Citizenship, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Agriculture, Automotive Mechanics, Building Construction, Business Education, Foreign Language, Horticulture, Music: Instrumental, Music: Vocal, Occupational Family & Consumer Sciences and the R.P Smith Alumni, Dulce Moore Memorial of Art. These students were recognized by Lisa Hadenbuch and a special thanks was given to the sponsors of these awards.

Diplomas were presented to the Class of 2019 by Randy Wiand, president of the School Board. Closing remarks were given by Madison Cottle.