<\/p>\n
Mancos High School sent 31 graduates into the wider world Sunday during a charming ceremony that had a personal touch.<\/p>\n
Keynote speaker Cathy Epps, a beloved school principal who is recovering from a serious car crash, spoke about the importance of perseverance.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve learned to walk and talk again, and you will also face difficult challenges, whether in college, trade school or on the job training,\u201d Epps said.<\/p>\n
While recovering from her accident, she contacted mentors and parents of every graduating student to find out what makes them special.<\/p>\n
From the podium, she shared what she learned with each student, calling them out by name and delivering a personal message of inspiration, encouragement, and insight.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe in you, and everybody in this room believes in you,\u201d Epps said. \u201cNever say \u2018I can\u2019t.\u2019 Instead, say \u2018This is difficult, and I need help.\u2019 That is how you persevere through life\u2019s many challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n
In her speech to classmates, salutatorian Hannah Skinner urged them to \u201cset goals that go beyond the summit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTake risks, do things that scare you, set a goal and surpass it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re young, the future seems so possible, and as we age we must not let go of the high standards we set for ourselves. Cheers to our current and future successes!\u201d<\/p>\n
Valedictorian Brittney Peacock reminded students to go forward with the perspective that life is actually pretty short, so every day counts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you going to do with the time that you have? It is a deep question that is not easy to answer,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPursue opportunity with your whole heart, and do what you can to make a positive difference in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a thought experiment, imagine 100 years after you die,\u201d Peacock said. \u201cWhat impact did you have on the world?<\/p>\n
\u201cDream big, learn from your mistakes and always be thankful.\u201d<\/p>\n
A creative 20-minute video was shown full of school memories and funny interviews from seniors about their fondest school memories.<\/p>\n
The film closed with images of each graduate as a baby or child, then as a young adult, full of promise.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour class pushed our teachers to be innovative, now it is your turn,\u201d said Principal Adam Priestley.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t wait to figure out what to do in life \u2013 start fulfilling your dreams now.\u201d<\/p>\n