WWW.MERIDIANSTAR.COM • MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL • GRADUATION 2020 • 45
TADASHIA FLOWERS
Salutatorian
Hello, Dr. Carter, Dr. Young, Dr. Hubbard, Meridian Public
School District Board of Trustees, the graduating Class of
2020, families, and friends.
First, I would like to give glory to God for this honor. He has
always been present and deserves all the credit. As we
gather here today to celebrate our many years of hard work,
we are surrounded by loved ones, school faculty and staff,
and community members who have been on this journey
with us. Thank you all for your positive contributions and
investments in our education and future. We cannot thank
you enough for helping us organize and execute our virtual
commencement ceremony. I also want to give special
thanks to my parents and other family members for always
encouraging me to dream big and keep God first. (And,
because some people think this is Instagram, where you
give shoutouts, “Hi, Coach Tiffany!”)
Right now, I want to salute the Class of 2020 for making
the effort to drag yourselves out of bed every day, no
matter what may have been going on at home, in order
to be at school. I want to salute the Class of 2020 for
pushing through those difficult classes that may or may
not have made you rethink your life choices. (Sure made
me question the whole “college thing” a few times; just
kidding, Mom and Dad!) I want to salute the Class of 2020 for being able to convince your teachers that you were using
your phones for “quality instruction.”
In all seriousness, we have encountered many struggles during our high school careers, including the loss of classmates
and loved ones who we wish could be here with us today. We have also shared many joys together, like making it to
championships, learning how to drive, becoming registered voters, and learning not to doubt our unique abilities. With that
being said, I wish nothing but the best to the classmates I have met and the ones I have not. As I come to a close, I would
like to leave you with the following scripture from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on
your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Know and trust that you
are loved by the Creator and were not put here on this earth by mistake. And remember to never forget where you came
from, because “Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!” Thank you.
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