HOWARD โ€”ย More than 70 students turned their tassels Sunday at the East Knox High School commencement ceremony. 

Sydney Opfer gave the valedictorianโ€™s address, which focused on grit and resilience even in the face of failure. 

โ€œAs we embark on a new journey, itโ€™s crucial to recognize that failure isnโ€™t the opposite of success. Rather, itโ€™s an integral part of it,โ€ Opfer said. โ€œFailure serves as a powerful teacher, offering lessons that success often does not.

Logan Whitney gave the salutatorianโ€™s address. 

โ€œGo out there. Be bold, be curious, and most of all, be yourself,โ€ Whitney said. โ€œThe future is yours for creating.โ€

Class president Adrianna Price led the pledge of allegiance; vice president Elizabeth Aeppli led her classmates in the turning of the tassel. The Senior Band Piece was โ€œGuardians of the Galaxy.โ€

Staff reporter at Richland Source since 2019. I focus on education, housing and features. Clear Fork alumna. Always looking for a chance to practice my Spanish. Got a tip? Email me at katie@richlandsource.com.