Faith a central focus for Hiland valedictorian, salutatorian
Hiland Valedictorian Hannah Barkley addresses the crowd during her time on stage at the recent graduation ceremony. Barkley said her faith helped her realize God works all things for good.
During the Hiland High School graduation ceremony honoring the Class of 2025, both the valedictorian and salutatorian spoke about how grateful they are to be part of a caring community and staff that are committed to education, but both also focused a great deal on their faith and how God has brought them to this point in time.
Hiland High School Salutatorian Caroline Malicky thanked the teachers who helped mold each student in a variety of ways.
She also thanked the parents who dedicated themselves to raising and nurturing their children and pushing them to thrive and achieve.
“Twelve years ago our days consisted of running around at recess, snack time and playing at home,” Malicky said. “Six years ago we graduated from elementary schools, walking through the halls one last time with everyone cheering us on and giving us high-fives. We wrote letters to ourselves, having no idea how our lives would turn out.”
She went on to talk about moving into their freshman year, a strange new world of high school that saw the class come together, paving the way to this final moment as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.
“Here we stand after 12 years of hard work, effort and many, many tests,” Malicky said. “We have accomplished so much, yet four years from now, which seems so far away, many of us will be in another graduation with different people and friends. Others may be out accomplishing things you never saw yourself doing. Six years from now, we may have had our first class reunion, and in 12 years, many of us may be the parents of kids running around at recess, playing Red Rover and having the hardest part of the day waiting for snack time.”
She then quoted Moses in the book of Deuteronomy, where he spoke about the Lord being the one who goes before each of us and how he will be with each one, never failing or forsaking.
“I pray that as all of us leave here today and move on with our lives, we will never forget that truth,” Malicky said. “Always remember that the Lord’s plans are greater than our own and trust in his timing.”
Valedictorian Hannah Barkley then turned her attention to pause, reflect and be grateful.
“There’s value in taking a moment to pause and look at the ways our class has been blessed here in high school,” Barkley said. “God has been so gracious to us.”
She talked about how class members shared their gifts and talents in so many different areas of life throughout their time together.
She talked about how the class left a mark academically, committed to integrity and hard work.
She pointed out the thriving athletic accomplishments that accompanied this class of students.
She noted the beauty in the artistic minds and talents of many of the students who shared their thoughts through the arts.
“I’ve always been so proud and so thankful to be part of this group of amazing people,” Barkley said. “All of the talents and characters we’ve developed over time here will carry on well beyond graduation.”
She said much of the past year was spent by each individual trying to figure out their next walk in life, where their days spent at HHS might take them next.
While those times could be overwhelming and filled with both awe and stress, she said it helped each one of them arrive where they are today.
“We are figuring out who we want to be as we grow,” Barkley said. “We have God-given talents and gifts and desires to make a difference that have already expressed themselves in high school and have shaped the direction we have chosen to go. Look where God has gotten us. All those anxieties can be laid to rest because he provides.”
She said each member of the graduating class was leaving with many great memories, moments of joy and friendships.
“We have so many reasons to hope for our futures,” Barkley said. “Whenever you face the inevitable anxiety of life that comes with growing and changing, don’t forget to take a moment to stop and look back at the track record. When I look back, I see that every single moment I was afraid, everything worked together for good.”
She said all the experiences they shared together have shaped their lives and prepared them to face the future, whichever direction life may take them.