It was a class of firsts. The first Alba-Golden graduating class to attain 100% College, Career or Military Readiness standards; the first graduate (Easton Campbell) to attain a congressional appointment to an academy; a 100% graduation rate; and unprecedented success in academic and extracurricular competition – from the gridiron to the stage to the show arena.

As Alba-Golden Superintendent Shelby Davidson summed up at the graduation ceremony last Thursday, “This group is indeed special.

 The superintendent surveyed the nearly 1,000 people in attendance at the historic Wagstaff Gymnasium at Tyler Junior College and thanked the parents and families for the investment in their children.

Davidson also challenged the class to “carry their own baggage,” and shared a short list of characteristics to live by as they continue their individual journeys.  

The graduation ceremony contained all the standards events – a trip down memory lane by the class officers, the disposition of gifts to school leadership and the time-honored processions.     

This ceremony, however, contained something of lasting impact – the valedictorian address of Drake Duplechain.

After an opening which humorously needled English teacher (and former active duty Marine) David Curry and his ‘knowledge boot camp,’ Duplechain delivered a pointed address with gravitas and a plop.

His message was four-fold. It began with the realization that God does indeed work in mysterious ways and that the only plan which really matters is His. 

The valedictorian continued by commenting that each individual has a purpose and that one must find that purpose and pursue it with passion. 

It was, however, his final point which made the whole address.

He proposed that as one progresses through life, using one’s time for the glory of God and the betterment of mankind, one will come into conflict with others.

He stated, “You will find that not everyone will be your friend. That is OK. There are things in life worth fighting for…so fight.” 

Upon conclusion of the address, secondary school principal Brittany Hall certified the graduates before the assembled board of trustees. The 20 honor graduates began the procession to receive their diplomas. 

After having their mortar board tassels placed on the opposite side of the board by the superintendent, each of the 52 graduates present exited the stage with clear eyes and an obvious sense of relief and excitement.