BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

Graduates in North Iredell High School’s Class of 2024 had their eyes on the future Saturday morning as they gathered in Raider Ravine to celebrate their commencement.

Senior Class President Andrew Cockerham reminded his fellow graduates that they will have the opportunity to shape their futures. “Life is not a multiple choice test. It’s an essay and we get to write it,” he said.

Cockerham also encouraged the graduating class to be fully present for the many moments that will help build the next stage in their lives, noting that “the days sometimes seem long but the years go by fast.”

Addressing the nearly 230 graduates, Honor Graduate Corban Chenevey shared his experience with temporary vision loss in the seventh grade, and how that challenge taught him to maintain hope even in difficult times.

“We cannot see what the future has in store for us, but Deuteronomy 31:6 says ‘Be strong and of good courage, fear not for the Lord Thy God will go with thee, He will not fail or forsake thee.’ Although we have a future that is uncertain, we have a God who is.”

Honor Graduate Samuel Williams reminded his peers that the challenges and successes of the past for years have prepared them for the future that awaits.

“Our journey together may be ending, but our adventures are just beginning,” Williams said.

Principal Diana Jones also congratulated the graduates, announcing that they earned more than $7.6 million in scholarships.

Photos