Class of 2008 grad delivers keynote address

By Carson Lambert

clambert@civitasmedia.com

Raymond Austin Chick delivering his Valedictory address. The seat with the ribbon was left empty to honor the memory of the late superintendent Bennie Bennett.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_whit1.jpgRaymond Austin Chick delivering his Valedictory address. The seat with the ribbon was left empty to honor the memory of the late superintendent Bennie Bennett. Carson Lambert | The Newberry Observer

Ashley Willis Willard, a member of the Whitmire High School Class of 2008, imparts a selection of advice in her commencement address.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_whit2.jpgAshley Willis Willard, a member of the Whitmire High School Class of 2008, imparts a selection of advice in her commencement address. Carson Lambert | The Newberry Observer

Student marshals presenting the colors to open the Whitmire High School commencement ceremony that was held Friday in the school’s gymnasium.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_whit3-1-.jpgStudent marshals presenting the colors to open the Whitmire High School commencement ceremony that was held Friday in the school’s gymnasium. Carson Lambert | The Newberry Observer

WHITMIRE — Whitmire High School graduated 35 students at a commencement ceremony held Friday night in their gymnasium.

Valedictorian Raymond Austin Chick saluted his fellow classmates for completing four years of high school which he categorized as tedious and trying but also rewarding.

“My friends, my competitors, my family — it is now that we take that first step,” Chick said. “Our parents, teachers, administrators, coaches and community have guided us and prepared us to take on this world. This unforgiving yet fair world which is awaiting the unique talents and ideas which we have to offer.”

The commencement address was delivered by a former Wolverine Ashley Willis Willard, who belongs to the Class of 2008.

Willard graduated valedictorian from Whitmire before attending USC Aiken and later the Medical University of South Carolina where she earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2015.

Willard now works with geriatrics in the Forest Acres area.

“I’ve had the privilege to work with the greatest generation in this nation’s history for the last year,” she said. “Their lives and outlooks were shaped by the Great Depression and second world war.”

When it came time to write her address Willard said she approached these wise elderly people to seek out what advice they might have for the soon-to-be graduates.

The following are some highlights from the advice she received:

• You will have no regrets on the life you have lived by doing what you loved

• One day you’re going to get old and forgetful — make memories that cannot be forgotten

• Speak up baby I can’t hear you

• When you fall, get back up, unless you break your hip, then call 911

“I feel like each of these portrays a bigger message that applies to you at this point in your lives,” Willard told the graduates.

Regarding the first piece of advice, Willard said she prays each graduate will find a job into which they can pour all of their passion.

“If money is received for a job that provides you no satisfaction, time is very wasted,” she said.

Next Willard acknowledged that while the lives of each graduate will soon change drastically as they disperse and go their separate ways, she hopes the memories they have made growing up in the Whitmire community will last a lifetime.

However, she did say that the memories to come may be the most precious.

“There will be a day when you look back on moments when you could stay up all night, only afford to eat oodles and noodles, the first dance at your wedding and landing your first real job,” she said.

To the third point Willard told the Class of 2016 to speak up so they can all be heard.

“Even the smallest noise can make the biggest impact,” she said.

The final piece of advice, Willard said, is probably her favorite.

“Life is all about falling down. You’re going to plan for the best and the worst is going to happen,” she said.

What defines you, however, is not how you fall but how you recover, Willard said.

“We are Wolverines. We have stronger perseverance than anyone out there. We fight to the death,” she said. “I hope you take this fight inside of you wherever you may go and use it to achieve all your dreams and aspirations.”

Reach Carson Lambert at 803-276-0625, ext. 1868, or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.