Owen graduation ceremony was a celebration of champions

Class of 2023 walks away from warhorse stadium in pursuit of greatness

Fred McCormick
Kendra Payne
The Valley Echo
June 10, 2023

Nearly every June since 2014, I have reserved one Saturday morning to cover the graduation ceremony at Owen High School. However, 2023 was a little different, from a personal perspective.

I was honored, and truly humbled, when the graduating class of 2023 reached out and invited me to deliver the keynote address for this year’s commencement, June 10, in Warhorse Stadium. I’ve watched and photographed hundreds of local young people walk across that stage, but being an active participant in this 68-year tradition.

One-hundred and thirty students received diplomas from first-year Owen Principal Dr. Samantha Sircey, who addressed the class before the processional.

“It has been an honor being with this group in my first year at Owen,” she said. “I love this place, and I can’t tell you how much this class has brought me this year. You are all amazing.”

Sircey encouraged the graduates to “enjoy the moment,” which opened with a presentation of colors by the school’s JROTC Color Guard: Ethan Barnwell, Thomas Greene, Hailey Carambot and Kylie Martin. Battalion Commander Remy Sellars led the pledge, while the chamber ensemble performed the national anthem and Owen Alma Mater.

Valedictorian Julia Givens delivered a humorous and encouraging address, in which she encouraged her fellow graduates to consider their true value as they begin new chapters of their lives. Class President Cole Christian reflected on her experiences at Owen, including the “awkward” return from a pandemic-induced hiatus. She recounted memories she shared with many of her classmates that extended as far back as elementary school, while expressing appreciation for her high school.

Madilyn Deifell introduced me as the keynote speaker, and the theme of my speech focused largely on the school’s legacy of greatness, which was boosted by the championship performances of the Warhorse soccer and cross country teams, as well as several athletes in the 2022-23 school year.

That greatness, however, extends well beyond the playing field, and reflects the spirit of the community represented by the school.

“When I started covering news here, I sometimes wondered why readers cared so much about the local high school,” I told the graduates. “It didn’t take me long to realize it’s because this place is the heart of this community.”

The Swannanoa Valley stands firmly behind its high school, I told the class as I closed the commencement address.

“Go out there an pursue greatness,” I told the graduates of the class of 2023. “It’s your legacy. You are all champions.”

Photos of the 2023 Owen High School graduation ceremony can viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.