“Life is a book,” said Quitman High School Principal Jeffery Tittle at 2024 graduation last Friday. “You’re the author and you determine its plot and pace and you and only you turn it into pages. Make it the most amazing story ever.” 

Quitman’s Class of 2024 managed to beat the rain after moving up their graduation ceremony at Bud Moody Stadium from 8 p.m. to 6 p.m. Kennedi Elmore spoke about growing up and growing in the community during her salutatorian speech. “We began as wide eyed freshmen, eager, yet uncertain of the path that lay ahead. Through each year we’ve supported one another, building friendships that extended beyond the classroom walls. Our small town roots have instilled in us values like resilience, community spirit, and the belief that no matter how far we roam, our hearts remain anchored in the place we call home.” Elmore spoke toward the future and said, “Now we step forward with confidence carrying the legacy of our small town upbringing into a world that awaits our unique contributions.”

After a jaunty, but complicated series of handshakes and high fives, she handed the podium over to her best friend and soon-to-be college roommate, Valedictorian Alexus Richey. Richey continued Tittle’s book theme stating, “This chapter of our lives will be over, and a brand new chapter will begin to take place.” She continued, encouraging her fellow classmates to set goals but not to let the goals define them. Richey also reminded students that “as we leave this place and go on to the world, don’t compare your success or status to others. The talents, interest and beliefs each of you had make you your own unique person so don’t allow others to push you away from who you truly are. You and you alone can reach people and impact this world. For perhaps you were created for such a time as this.”

Richey introduced the special guest speaker, beloved substitute teacher, David Hartsfield. He began with an anonymous quote that continued the night’s book theme. Hartsfield said that someone wrote, “Life is a book in volumes three; the past, the present and the yet-to-be. The past is written and laid away, the present we’re writing every day. And the last and best of volumes three is locked from sight – God keeps the key.” (Anonymous, from The Unknown Future)

Hartsfield spoke about his faith, the love of his life who he’s been married to for 62 years and encouraged students to continue to seek God and knowledge. Hartsfield said, “Well, consider this – why not let your dream develop as you expand your knowledge?” Hartsfield also reminded students how special they are stating, “You matter. Your opinion matters. Your gifts and abilities are needed on this planet.” 

Principal Tittle announced honors and present diplomas. The top 10 students were given special recognition and received their diplomas first: Alexus Richie, Kennedi Elmore, Mattison Smith, Emma Mocny, Lila Park, Luke Williams, Dalton Poppenhusen, Kaylie Wood, Michael Hipp and Jordan Saxon.

Breanna Bell, Faith Council, Austin Jones and Xander Gonyea were also recognized and received a standing ovation upon the announcement of their commitments to serve in the United States Military after graduation. 

Tittle also announced that the Class of 2024 received scholarships and awards totaling more than $1.8 million. Tittle stated that $151,000 “came directly from our area businesses and organizations and individuals.”

Tittle thanked the community for “supporting our students and our future.”

“Class of 2024–Love you guys.” –Jeffery Tittle, QHS Principal.