Community says goodbye to class of ‘achievers’

“I won’t cry,” Patty Belville said, looking at her daughter, Shelby.

Some around her couldn’t help but giggle. What else was a mother to do on her daughter’s high school graduation day?

Shelby Belville and 54 of her fellow Symmes Valley High School students got their diplomas during commencement exercises Sunday afternoon. Principal Darrell Humphries said he would remember the Class of 2012 as a class of “achievers” with plans for the future.

“They worked hard. In the two and a half years I’ve been principal here I’ve seen tremendous growth, a lot of high aspirations.”

Humphries may have a point. Shelby Belville, who is the class salutatorian, plans to be a pharmacist. She enters Marshall University in the fall.

“I’m excited, very excited and yet its bittersweet,” Shelby Belville said. “I’ve been here 13 years, ever since kindergarten. We’re close-knit. You know everyone.”

Fellow grad Tyler Pemberton said he is also excited. He has plans to be a nurse and will study at Ohio University Southern.

Humphries had a parting word of advice for his achievers.

“Don’t be scared when you leave. It’s a big world out there but you’ve been well-prepared by the teachers here at Symmes Valley,” Humphries said. “Good luck and God Bless.”

 

Fellow grad Tyler Pemberton said he is also excited. He has plans to be a nurse and will study at Ohio University Southern.

Humphries had a parting word of advice for his achievers.

“Don’t be scared when you leave. It’s a big world out there but you’ve been well-prepared by the teachers here at Symmes Valley,” Humphries said. “Good luck and God Bless.”