'Life is a highway' for Mayodan's McMichael High School grads

By: Steve Lawson | GoDanRiver
Published: June 11, 2008

The theme for the 2008 commencement exercises at Dalton L. McMichael - "Life Is a Highway" - reflects the past, present and future journeys of the school's graduating class.

Saturday's memorable event begins at 11 a.m. with the traditional performance of "Pomp and Circumstance" by the high school band, but things quickly take on the character of the class it's designed to honor. Except for the processional and recessional performed by the band and two songs from the McMichael vocal ensemble, the musical selections and speeches on the program utilize members of the Class of 2008.

McMichael administrators began to realize more than 10 years ago that titles like valedictorian and salutatorian were often misleading. Students transferring from other school districts, where more advanced courses were available, and local students taking honors-level courses created an unbalanced field where looking strictly at grade point averages failed to provide a clear picture.

Rather than singling out one or two top students for recognition, the McMichael staff decided to provide an open opportunity for any member of the graduating class to take part in the commencement service.

McMichael media specialist Lou Ann Jessup serves on a faculty committee that selects students from the senior class to perform the special music and speeches at commencement. Any interested senior is allowed to sign up to audition for a part in the program.

"Students that want to speak sign up, write their speech and then present it before the committee," she said. "The committee scores the presentations and the two seniors with the highest scores speak at graduation."

The 2008 student speakers are Sheila Ratcliffe and Joseph Silvers. Ratcliffe speaks first Saturday, delivering her original speech - "Life's Journey." Silvers' message to classmates is entitled "The Path of Life."

Five seniors were selected from auditions to perform the two musical selections. Tori Dodd and Jenna Tucker will present "Whenever You Remember" by Dianne Warre. Carmen Ramsey will accompany Kelly Clark and Joshua Galloway in a performance of Allan Billingsley's arrangement of "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers.

Commencement exercises begin at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Dalton L. McMichael High School gymnasium.