By: Daniela Belton; Salutatorian, Morgan County High School

Commencement. The epitome of bittersweet moments, the most exciting opportunity we have faced in our lifetimes, and the most life altering experience that has ever taken place in our lifetimes. There is so much to say, but very little of it is not already on the minds of the graduates of the Class of 2009. But above all, Commencement is a celebration.
Commencement, or Graduation, is a celebration of not only what we have accomplished, but who we have become to achieve these accomplishments. All of us have faced experiences that have forced us to make a decision, and while there have been some wrong decisions in the mix, there have been enough right ones, to correct the wrong. But those decisions have shaped us as well as our families and friends, so that we learn and grow as people to help others and give all to the world that we can.

The beauty of commencement is that while our high school experience is over, our journey is only beginning. We never have to stop learning and growing and giving to others in order to make the world a better place. We must never forget that a person should take part in something because it reflects who that person is, or wants to be and it has to be something that the person loves to do. There are too many who get dragged into a career that they care nothing about. There is so much life to live, and so little time to live it and we are simply at the tip of the iceberg.

Each and every one of my classmates has become someone who I am truly privileged to share this experience with and I will deeply miss every one of them, but I know they will do great things. My only advice for the graduates of the class of the 2009 is to never let a moment pass by that you do not savor, enjoy, and reflect upon. Enjoy life, and especially these last experiences as high school seniors. Remember your last day of school, your last time you walk down the hall, and the last book you turn in, but above all, remember to look at your house for the last time before you leave to go to the Commencement Ceremony. It will be the last time you ever look at it before you are a high school graduate; savor it, enjoy it, and reflect upon it. Congratulations Class of 2009 and see you at Graduation!