BY DEBBIE PAGE
Nearly 500 seniors streamed down the steps in Lake Norman High School’s stadium on Saturday morning, marching together on their final journey as Wildcats to receive their diplomas before embarking on their separate paths into the world.
The LNHS Chorus welcomed the graduates with a rendition of the alma mater, “Alis Volat Propriis” (“She Flies With Her Own Wings”), followed by the Presentation of Colors by Boy Scout Troop 171 (Williamson Chapel) and the National Anthem, performed by senior James Randolph.
Senior Class President Ava Colapietro welcomed honored guests, including Deputy Superintendent Billy Barrie and Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education member Anita Kurn.
Though she did not enter Lake Norman as a freshman, Colapietro treasured her time as a Wildcat. “I’ve made the best memories with the best people sitting in front of me,” she said.
Colapietro expressed pride in the accomplishments of the Class of 2023, knowing “all of you will do amazing things in the years to come.”
She also thanked teachers, staff, parents, and mentors who have “watched us grow and made it possible for us to be here.”
Principal Bill Shapcott recognized the broad shoulders of students’ families “that you have all stood on through your high school years” and asked graduates to applaud their families. He also alluded to the obstacles the students overcame during COVID-19 shutdowns to achieve their diplomas.
Shapcott congratulated the class for earning $10.7 million in scholarships, a number that will grow with more scholarships still being awarded. After extolling a list of the Class of 2023’s accomplishments, Shapcott said, “Thank you seniors for producing many great memories for our Lake Norman High School family over the last four years.”
“I applaud you for how well you carried yourselves in and out of school, the classroom, and on and off the playing fields. Our newest Lake Norman High School graduates will go all over this great country of ours to pursue your dreams.”
“Our students will change lives and make a difference in the world, and for that we are forever grateful and proud,” concluded Shapcott.
Honor Speaker Meghan Christensen recounted the many firsts and accomplishments students experienced over their years of high school. Since they are approaching the “precipice of adulthood,” Christensen sought the “wisdom of our elders” — 22-year-olds — drawing chuckles from the crowd.
Their “elders” recommended embracing “opportunities that intimidate you. It is through venturing outside our comfort zones that we learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to embrace discomfort. What’s the worst thing that could happen? Saying yes to new experiences opens doors to endless possibilities.”
“Surround yourself with people who will challenge you to do your best. Becoming the best version of yourself will be much easier when you are surrounded by people who share your goals and push you to grow.”
“Lastly, never take yourself too seriously. Life is extremely unpredictable and will never go to plan, so rather than stressing or becoming angry, there’s always the opportunity to take a step back, laugh, and reground yourself.”
After thanking everyone for their support and encouragement of seniors through high school, Honor Speaker Madeline Stolberg acknowledged the mix of excitement and sadness that seniors are feeling on graduation day.
All of the students’ hard work was “fueled by a desire to succeed.” Stolberg then recounted teacher Ben Walters’ question to her classmates at the beginning of the year: “Was all this truly worth the effort?”
Stolberg pondered the question, realizing that some of her accomplishments were done for others, not her own passions.
“I realized that my family would be proud of me, regardless of the path I chose. That realization gave me the courage to redefine my own measure of success and pursue my true passions with unwavering determination.”
“Therefore, I issue a bold challenge to the exceptional Class of 2023 — do not conform to predetermined standards of success. Instead, be the master of your own destiny. Success is extremely personal and means different things to different people.
“The criteria for success is entirely relative. It’s up to you to chose,” Stolberg continued.
“Remember the wise words of Winston Churchill: ‘Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.’”
“Do not be ensnared by the misconceptions of achievement. Look beyond the horizon with steadfast perseverance, for all your dreams and aspirations are within your grasp. Success has already been achieved if you are living in the present and encountering every moment as it comes.”
The three student speakers then led a moment of silence and conducted the ceremony of the laying of the flowers in memory of classmates and family members who were not present for the graduation ceremony.
The chair wrapped in blue represented family support, and the white ribbon represented hope that the grief and pain of loss will lessen. The white flowers represented the memories of these lost loved ones that will live forever in the hearts of those who remain.
Before the conferring of diplomas, the Senior Chorus performed the Senior Song, the Jonas Brothers “Remember This,” complete with choreographed movements and dancing.
After diploma presentations were complete, Shapcott declared the seniors graduates of LNHS and told them to turn their tassels, a moment immediately followed by cheers, hugs, and a cascade of blue caps tossed high into the air.
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