Pleasant Home School held its graduation ceremony for its 2023 senior class on Thursday evening. The ceremony was conducted by Courtney Griggs as the valedictorian and Joel Wilkinson as the salutatorian.
Griggs was the child of James Griggs and April Griggs. There are three of her siblings: Annie, Shawn, and Mathew Griggs.
Wilkinson is the child of Barry as well as Laura Wilkinson. He has a sibling, Hannah Grace Wilkinson.
Both were honoured to be in charge of their class to graduation and both felt it was special.
“Being being able to represent this Pleasant Home School Class of 2023 as valedictorian is to me a lot. I’ve worked extremely hard to earn this title but it was not an easy task. We’ve all been at a disadvantage for this honor and this demonstrates the determination and drive of the 2023 class. Being named valedictorian is a sign that all my perseverance and hard work over the last four years have been rewarded. It’s a confirmation to me that when I put my eyes on achieving something, I can achieve it.” Griggs said.
“It matters to me. There are plenty of extremely talented and gifted people within my classes. Some of them had the same chance of being salutatorian like I did. Being capable of representing my school with students with that kind of caliber is truly a great privilege,” Wilkinson added.
The two will stay close to their home for the moment until they move on to their fields.
“I intend to go to Lurleen B. Wallace Community College to complete my general education. I will then attend Troy University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I’ve always known from an early age that I wanted to become an educator. I was deeply influenced by my teachers in elementary school growing to be a teenager, and I would like to bring that same influence to the minds of children in the classroom,” Griggs stated.
“I intend to take a course at LBW to study for two years, then move on onto Auburn University to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I decided to pursue this career because I’ve always excelled at math. I was fascinated by the art of problem-solving, I loved making objects, and always enjoyed robotics,” Wilkinson said.
Based on their experiences, Pleasant Home School was a place to escape from with students who created an enjoyable atmosphere.
“The most enjoyable aspect of being an student at PHS will definitely be the openness and kindness every teacher is. They really care about you in and out of the classroom. I truly believe that I will be missing the familiarity of living in Pleasant Home. I’ve been here for 13 years and the people here have watched me grow up,” Griggs said.
“Being in Pleasant Home gave me the opportunity to meet a variety of interesting and fascinating people. I made friends with them, and created memories which will last a life time,” Wilkinson said.
For Griggs the most exciting aspect of the real world is taking her own course.
“For the past 13 years, I’ve been given a path for me. It’s my time to make a difference and live my life as I would like to have. I can decide what my future holds and I believe that’s the most exciting thing about this whole thing. I would like to thank my parents for the amount of support they’ve given me throughout my school years. They’ve been my support system, and I wouldn’t have made it this far without them. Thank for my teachers who have provided me with the tools and information I required to reach this point,” she said.
Wilkinson would like for the chip to drop as they will and rely on his faith. “I’m eager to experience new things and observing the direction God will take me,” he said.
Both are hoping to start with a child and working in their chosen professions down the road.
“In the next 5 up to 10 years,” I can see myself teaching an elementary school class at a fantastic school. The classroom I will teach in is bright and unique, just as I’d like. I’m also planning on going to graduate school once my teaching experience of some time. I’m also planning to get marrying my fiance and having possibly a few children,” Griggs stated. “I want to find an income-producing and stable job that I am happy with my sweet wife and children,” Wilkinson said.
The two graduates concluded by paying tribute to their former school.
“Isaiah 40:31 states that those who believe on the Lord will be strengthened and will fly in the air like eagles”” Wilkinson said. “Once youre an Eagle it’s always one. Eagle,” Griggs added.
The article Griggs, Wilkinson named PHS valedictorian and salutatorian was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.
