WHITMIRE — Whitmire High School presented approximately 41 diplomas Wednesday evening; before the graduates officially became alumni, commencement speaker Elaina Alcocer, naval aviator, United States Marine Corps, encouraged the graduates to explore who they are in the world.

Alcocer, also the WHS Class of 2009 salutatorian, was happy to be invited back to speak before the graduates.

“I’m going to be honest and tell you I’m really nervous right now, I haven’t written a paper since college,” she said.

Alcocer’s message to the graduates was simple: If there is something you want to do, go after it; go after what you want and don’t let expectations from friends and families discourage them.

She encouraged the graduates to take risks and make mistakes, because according to Alcocer “you are bound to make mistakes.”

While preparing for her speech, Alcocer also researched a list of the most bizarre careers. Some of those careers included a professional mattress jumper, armpit sniffer and water slide tester — to name a few.

“If there is something you want to do, there is a job out there for it,” Alcocer said. “Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams and don’t let doubt keep you from becoming who you want to be.”

Alcocer herself was once in the graduate’s shoes, especially when it came to deciding what she wanted to do after high school. She initially had plans to become a teacher and a coach, but realized later on it wasn’t for her.

“At first I was really indecisive. I went to Clemson University one semester, then transferred to Newberry College. After three years went back to Clemson, so I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she said.

She stressed that the graduates didn’t have to decide what they wanted to do right away saying “There’s no time limit. Take time and find what is right for you.”

Alcocer also challenged the graduates to do the following: Set goals and stick with them; challenge themselves even if they weren’t sure it would work out; take risks although it may seem like a long shot; be accepting of criticism; know what they are capable of and set their minds to it; exude confidence and to stay true to themselves.

In Valedictorian Haylee Rikard’s address, she said she will miss her time at WHS. She encouraged her classmates to take a leap of faith, walk with pride and be the best they could be every day.

“Each and every one of us has a choice in what we share with the world,” she said.

Rikard also took the time to thank the families, teachers and faculty for their many sacrifices.

On a final note, Rikard told her classmates to “not expect anything less than the best” as they prepared for the next chapter in their lives.

“We’re opening a new chapter of our lives, so let’s embrace it,” she said.

Salutatorian Olivia Anglin said while some of her classmates will go onto college and others will head straight into the workforce, they will each be following their own paths.

“What I’m asking each of you and myself is to meet challenges straight on and with your head held high and hearts wide open,” she said.

Like Rikard, Anglin thanked those who have helped them reach graduation from teachers all the way to the custodial staff.

“We worked hard to get where we are now, but we didn’t do it by ourselves,” Anglin said. “The best way to show our gratitude is to make the most of our opportunities, go into the world and make it a better place.”

The 2019 Whitmire High School graduates moments before becoming alumni.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_WhitGrad2.jpgThe 2019 Whitmire High School graduates moments before becoming alumni. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Gwen Clark helps Valedictorian Haylee Rikard get ready for the ceremony.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_WhitGrad4.jpgGwen Clark helps Valedictorian Haylee Rikard get ready for the ceremony. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

A stuffed animal was passed around for the graduates to sign.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_WhitGrad3.jpgA stuffed animal was passed around for the graduates to sign. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Class Valedictorian Haylee Rikard, left, and Salutatorian Olivia Anglin, right, stop for a quick picture before the ceremony.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_WhitGrad1.jpgClass Valedictorian Haylee Rikard, left, and Salutatorian Olivia Anglin, right, stop for a quick picture before the ceremony. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

By Kelly Duncan

kduncan@championcarolinas.com

Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-768-3123 ext. 1868 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.