Ninety Ironheads graduated from Eufaula High School Friday.

Hundreds of parents, grandparents, friends and others swarmed Paul Bell Stadium to watch the students end one stage of their lives and begin another.

The weather couldn’t have been more cooperative – pleasantly warm without a hint of rain, which remained at a distance until Saturday night when the storm hit.

The best and the brightest were recognized during the hour-long ceremony that began at 7 p.m. with the parade of seniors walking through the bleachers to the chairs awaiting them in front of the stage where school administrators and board members sat.

Counselor Amber Graham announced that 21 seniors had amassed a total of more than $10 million in scholarships – with the largest amount of over $6 million going to class president Zayd Taariq.

Graham highlighted the scholars in the class and retired history teacher Roger Thompson focused on the five seniors who will be entering the military.

Principal Heather Combs gave an inspiring speech just before the students were called to the stage to be presented with their diplomas.

Principal’s Speech

Congratulations Class of 2025.

Today is an advance that evokes different feelings and emotions for you. The excitement and anticipation of beginning a new phase of life. Sadness at leaving a place that has nurtured you for so many years. Anxiousness in contemplating what lies ahead. Some of you here will regret for what could have been and for others, joy and satisfaction for what has been achieved and will be as you move on to the next stage in your lives.

Regardless of how you are feeling, you have all been influenced by your time at Eufaula High School. The person you want to be today is to a significant degree, the result of your interactions with the students and staff of your Eufaula High School and the experiences you have shared.

You have probably been asked many times, at least enough times to find it annoying, what are you going to be or do when you graduate from high school? And when asked that question I’m sure your mind turns to what type of further education you will apply for, the job you want. And I’m sure you’ve received a great deal of very simple, though no doubt often unsolicited, advice.

What colleges or university you should apply for or the jobs used to seek aren’t guarantee employment?

And I believe that you should listen respectfully to this advice, but remember that it is your life. You’re the one who must live it.

So take responsibility for it and be willing to deal with the consequences of your decision. But don’t worry if you still don’t know what you want from life. As a matter of fact, some of the most interesting and successful people that I know still don’t.

Life doesn’t come with a perfect roadmap, and even GPS gets confused sometimes. Life is a journey and as long as you enjoy it and do what is good for you, your family and your society, then I’d say you are on the right track.

When a principal prepares the graduation speech, their expectation is to give some meaningful advice, and I’m sure you expect me to talk about the importance of life, on learning and hard work and always do your best.

But I know that you don’t need me to repeat what you have heard many times. Instead, I’m going to share some thoughts with you tonight, some thoughts that an 18 year old would have benefited from hearing.

Number one, don’t underestimate kindness. It is a gift you can give to others that is totally free and brings great rewards to both the receiver and giver.

Enjoy your successes, but avoid arrogance. Remember that you are one of 8 billion people in an averaged crazy universe. Most people are too worried about themselves to be worried about the mistakes you have made, or the embarrassing situations you have been in, so don’t dwell on them.

Surround yourself with and learn from good mentors, don’t ever be too proud to apologize and remember that positive relations are at the heart of life.

Life isn’t fair. There is very little you are entitled to, in that failure will usually be experienced along the pathways.

The last one is, if you are only going to remember one of these, I’d go with the first. There is a very good example at the beginning that I have discussed and that is your teachers and other staff members, along with your parents, grandparents and other family members who have helped you along the way. I thank them on your behalf.

Remember, success isn’t always about big achievements. It’s about showing up, trying again and again when you fail and finding a way to laugh along the way.

I wish you the very best with this next exciting phase in your life.

I am extremely proud of you and congratulate each and every one of you on your graduation night.

Look back at this time you have spent here at Eufaula High School and remember – Once an Ironhead, always an Ironhead.