1949 – Valedictory Address by Wesley Whittington
There are some events and some emotions that can never become quite commonplace. The reddening of the autumn leaves
and the green tide of oncoming springtime, in the natural world are perpetual
miracles. In the world of spirit,
the going over the top of trained undaunted, and unbeaten youth to face the
duties and meet the perils of life’s real battle can never become ordinary. And that is why, as the years roll
on, this particular scene and this particular occasion do not become stereotyped
to us who take part in them. The
mere scene indeed may be conventional, but the human factors in it are ever
fresh, dynamic, as in the bright recurring waves, year by year they break on the
shores of manhood. To those of us
who are members of the senior class of 1949, this is a significant occasion.
Many seniors have sat where we sit tonight, and many times before long lines of
boys and girls in caps and gowns have passed before our superintendent and
school board to receive their diploma which signify that the courses of study
prescribed for a high school diploma have been fulfilled. Never before, we believe, has a group
closed its books with such definite certainty that the best is yet to come.
Never before has a class graduated facing so many opportunities for service to
the world. Never were
responsibilities greater. Never has
the demand been greater for men who are men.
It is my sincere belief that the members of this graduating class will
meet the needs of the world in the very finest way. I do not mean to say that we have the
ego to expect to all become presidents, senators, or the like but citizens of
this American democracy, of which, we the people rule, we will have a part to
play in our country’s affairs and the shaping of the world in which we are to
live.
We want to have a part in bringing about a warless world, in which every young
person, regardless of color, race, or creed, will have an opportunity for an
education. A world in which no child
will go hungry while others have too much.
We wish to thank our superintendent and teachers, who throughout our educational
period, have done their best to help us obtain an education and a better view of
life. We know that we will live up
to their expectations.
We also want to thank the people of Ryan who have given loyal support to us
throughout our school years. Your
faith in use gives us the courage to go on and attain greater heights.
Especially we want to thank our parents, who have watched us grow from small
children starting in the first grade to young men and women in the senior class. Parents are the deciding factor in
whether or not a child enjoys going to school.
If every child had the help from their parents that we have had from ours
their years in school would indeed be a pleasure.
This will probably be the last time we will ever be together as a class. Even though great distances may
separate us, in heart and in spirit we will always be the Senior Class 1949 of
Ryan High.
We sincerely thank you.
Source: The Ryan Leader, June 3,
1949