Walking forward: Gladiator grads urged to pursue life of passion

GREENVILLE — Graduation at Riverheads High School on Tuesday night brought back a flood of memories for class valedictorian Dawn Renee Jackson.
Her freshman year had its peaks and valleys.
She recalled scoring the winning goal against Buffalo Gap as a freshman soccer player and her feeling of being totally lost on her first day of school at Riverheads.
“I was lost and confused,” she said, and remembered trembling at the sight of upper classmen.
But there were many more positive memories than negative, said Jackson to the 148 Riverheads graduates.
There was feeling of accomplishment when “a difficult concept made sense.”
She marveled at the “inner drive that defines athletes,” and won’t forget the many friendships she established while at Riverheads.
Jackson urged the graduates to pursue a vocation they had passion for.
“Too often, people relinquish their goals,” she said. “Find a vocation you enjoy not tolerate.”
Jackson told the graduates “do not let your dreams die.”
Retired Riverheads High math teacher Ronald Wilkerson told the graduates they must show strong character if they are to become champions in life.
Wilkerson told the graduates they must show courage to make the right decisions and display honesty, modesty and pride.
“Be proud of who you are and live a life filled with love. Give love and receive it,” he said.
In addition to Jackson, other top academic honors for the class of 2008 went to co-salutatorians Kathleen Florette law and Devon Nicole Thompson.
The school service award was given to Kyle Scott Benson.