Words of encouragement filled the Fannin County High School football stadium Friday night, May 22, as Lexi McGill and Matthew Shirah delivered their salutatory and valedictory addresses.
McGill encouraged her fellow classmates, "don't lose hope, never give up."
She told everyone, "We all have a little voice inside us telling us not to give up. Listen to it."
Shirah, the top graduate, called on his classmates to "aspire to make a difference. Strive to be a positive influence on everyone around you."
He told everyone they, "should never let a chance slip by to love those around you," looking to the effect of the coronavirus on the world.
The students' words were part of the annual, but different, FCHS graduation ceremony. Attendance was restricted, and social distancing and masks were the order of the event as school officials battled guidelines associated with COVID-19 while still giving graduates the annual celebration.
217 students completed their high school educations, graduating as part of the Fannin County High School Class of 2020. The commencement ceremony to honor them marked the 42nd in t he school's history.