Photos: JL Mann Class of 2024 graduates, 'you have sown seeds of hard work, perseverance'
Bon Secours Wellness Arena was filled with proud family and friends as the J.L. Mann High School Class of 2024 graduated atop a covered ice rink on Wednesday, May 22.
To the 545 graduates in the class, Principal Dr. Shannon Gibson urged students to remember that we reap what we sow.
"Throughout your years here, you have sown seeds of hard work, perseverance, and dedication," Gibson said in his speech. "As you move forward, remember your actions and attitudes will shape your future, both positively and negatively. Sow seeds of integrity, action and experience to reap a harvest of purpose.”
Valedictorian Annika Krovi began her speech by positioning herself as an avid New York Times Mini Crossword fan as she related her and her classmates' experiences to the crossword.
“I’m sure most of you are familiar with the daily crossword— the big one. The mini is for those of us that aren’t as good at it and need a smaller version," Krovi said, “The mini has been there for me through thick and thin, including all four years of high school. Though I learned a lot from my teachers and my mentors, who I am so grateful for, I also learned a lot from those five-by-five tiles. The mini crossword, to me, demonstrates resilience. Most of the time, I have to move between rows and try out different wrong answers before I can understand a difficult clue. We all understand that spirit of adaptability."
After thanking friends and family, Krovi expressed the importance of community and relying on others for help as they took their next steps.
“Patriots, I know that taking this next step is scary. Our mini crossword, our life as we know it, is growing much larger and starting to look a lot like the real thing. The clues are getting harder and we may be less certain of how it all fits together, but if we remain resilient and rely on the community around us, I know we will succeed."
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Photos: 545 students graduate from JL Mann, urged to 'reap what we sow'
