Distinguished Speakers Teach Us About Humility, Gratitude, and Fortitude

The past month, Orion High School celebrated two commencement ceremonies, honoring the men and women, of all ages, who earned their high school diploma over the past year.In all, nearly 500 learners ranging from Pretoria, South Africa, to Honolulu, HI, earned their high school diploma.  Each learner who comes to Orion is different in his or her own way, and approaches learning differently - even in the digital classroom.  What each one has in common, though, is the ability to persevere when our requirements become more stringent; to be flexible when we become inflexible; to engage, when we turn out the lights; and above all, to do it all with respectfulness and with a sense of gratitude. 

Nicholas Corinthian Hardy (Texas)

Nicholas Corinthian Hardy, a young man from San Antonio, admonished us to follow our path, and to remain steadfast when it comes to guidance from God.  He reminds us that no path is always easy, and that the easy path may not be the right path to take.

I have learned that you have to work hard to execute hard work with everything in your life.  Success is determined by how much hard work you put into your studies

Chloe Sadler (Kansas)

Chloe Sadler, class Salutatorian graced us with her story about perseverance through scoliosis.  She turned the physical toll and her feelings of worthlessness, into a path for success.

I had pretty much given up hope that I would ever be able to graduate.  I found that learning was fun again.  Dr. Harris turns her weekly meetings into unforgettable discussions.  Mr. Cottrell who expanded my love of nature through his entomology class.

Chloe will be a ministry major this fall.  We wish her well, and are proud of our Orion Warrior (and former president of NHS).

 Dr. Jerry Komia Domatob (Professor Mass Communication at Alcorn State University)

Dr. Jerry Domatob wrote a poem for Orion graduates, and spoke to our graduates during the commencement ceremony at Alcorn State University.

Congratulations Classmates, thank you leaders, & mentors Henceforth, we will do our best   By Dr. Jerry Komia Domatob Yes today's gladness Overpowers yesterday's sadness As you welcome hope Rising from a slimy slope So on this grand graduation, what's your pledge? Congratulations classmates, thank you leaders, & mentors Henceforth, we will do our best Today shines with joy As playing with a prized toy Once again you see th elight After twisting in the night So on this grand graduation, what's your pledge? Congratulations classmates, thank you leaders, & mentors Henceforth, we will do our best With kind and overfull backing Along with funding Your rise from near hopelessness To lasting hopefulness So on this grand graduation, what's your pledge? Congratulations classmates, thank you leaders, & mentors Henceforth, we will do our best As you celebrate sucess And promise to work without recess Let this be a new beginning And not the ending So on this grand graduation, what's your pledge? Congratulations classmates, thank you leaders, & mentors Henceforth, we will do our best With your diplomas, you restart life Without harsh strife Having minimized contention Like unwarranted detention On this grand occasion, what's your pledge? Congratulations classmates, thank you leaders, & mentors Henceforth, we will do our best Like all, yes all You will occasionally fall Due to adversity But with certificate, you can tackle difficulty On this grand occasion, what's your pledge? Congratulations classmates, thank you leaders, & mentors Henceforth, we will do our best As you emerge as leaders Yes, community elders Your certificates, mark accomplishments Which glitter as star achievements On this grand graduation, what's your pledge? Congratulations classmates, thank you leaders, & mentors Henceforth, we will do our best Party bells ring As family and friends sing They bring fabulous congratulations And marvelous jubilation On this grand graduation, what's your pledge? Congratulations classmates, thank you leaders, & mentors Henceforth, we will do our best