Pleasant Home School held its graduation ceremony for its senior class of 2023 on Thursday evening, and was accompanied 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 was born to Barry Wilkinson and Laura Wilkinson. He has a sibling, Hannah Grace Wilkinson.
They were both honored to be part of their class of graduates and believed it was a truly special experience.
“Being being able to represent this Pleasant Home School Class of 2023 as valedictorian is everything to me. I’ve worked extremely hard to earn this title but it wasn’t an easy task. We’ve all been keen to be a part of this and this demonstrates the determination and drive of the 2023 class. The fact that I was valedictorian proves to me that all my effort and commitment over the last four years have been rewarded. It’s a confirmation to me that if I put my sights on something, I can achieve it.” Griggs said.
“It is very important to me. There are many highly talented and gifted students that I have met in class. A lot of them had as much chance of being salutatorian like I did. Being capable of representing my school with students with that kind of caliber is truly a great honour,” Wilkinson added.
The two will stay close to their home for the moment before relocating to their fields.
“I intend to go to Lurleen B. Wallace Community College to complete my general education. I will then go to Troy University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I’ve known since the beginning that I would like to be a teacher. I was influenced by my teachers in elementary school growing as a child, and I’d like to bring that same influence back to the young minds in the classroom,” Griggs stated.
“I intend to go to LBW to study for two years, and then move into Auburn University to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I decided to pursue this career because I’ve always excelled at math. I’ve always been interested in the art of problem-solving, I loved making objects, and always was fascinated by robotics,” Wilkinson said.
Based on their experiences, Pleasant Home School was a place to escape from with a community that created an exciting environment.
“The most enjoyable aspect of being an student at PHS will definitely be how caring and open every teacher is. They really care about you both inside and outside the classroom. I am sure I’ll regret the feeling of home having been 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 acquaintances with them and created memories that will last for a life time,” Wilkinson said.
For Griggs the most thrilling aspect of life is following her own path.
“For the past 13 years, I’ve been given a path for me. It’s my time to put in the effort and create my life the way I want to have. I can decide the direction I want to take in my life, and I believe that’s the most exciting thing about the whole process. I would like to thank my parents for all the bits of support they’ve given me throughout my school years. They’ve been my support system, and I could not be where I am today without them. Thank for my teachers who have provided me with the knowledge and tools I’ve required to make it this far,” she said.
Wilkinson would like for the chip to drop as they are and trust his faith. “I’m eager to experience new things and observing what direction God will take me,” he said.
Both are hoping to start an extended family and pursuing their chosen professions down the road.
“In the next 5 up to 10 years,” I envision myself as a teacher in an elementary class at a fantastic school. The classroom I will teach in is bright and distinctively decorated exactly as I’d like. I’m also planning on going to graduate school after I’ve taught for some time. I also envision myself getting being married to my fiancé and possibly a few children,” Griggs stated. “I would like to have a steady and secure job that I love with my wife and children,” Wilkinson said.
The two graduates concluded with a remembrance of their former school.
“Isaiah 40:31 says that those who put their trust faith in the Lord will gain strength and will fly in the air like eagles”” Wilkinson said. “Once one is an Eagle it’s always the Eagle,” Griggs added.
The article Griggs, Wilkerson named PHS salutatorian, valedictorian was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
