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The Thorsby High School class of 2022 throw their caps into the air after graduation. (BRANDON SUMRALL | SPECIAL)

Valedictorian Peyton McManus during her speech. (BRANDON SUMRALL | SPECIAL)

The Thorsby High School graduation procession into the ceremony. (BRANDON SUMRALL | SPECIAL)

A Thorsby High School graduate gets his diploma from Principal Corey Clements. (BRANDON SUMRALL | SPECIAL)

Thorsby High School Principal Corey Clements during his speech. (BRANDON SUMRALL | SPECIAL)

A Thorsby High School graduate gets his diploma from Principal Corey Clements. (BRANDON SUMRALL | SPECIAL)

By Carey Reeder | Staff Writer

The Thorsby High School class of 2022 stepped into their next chapter under a bright-colored Alabama sunset on May 27.

Salutatorian Genaro Aquino Gonzales began the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance. Chilton County Schools Superintendent Jason Griffin addressed the graduating class by congratulating them and wishing them well in the future.

Valedictorian Addyson Gilliland was the first to give her speech to the audience. She spoke about how God has helped her throughout high school and to get to the point she is at today.

“These last few years of high school we are trying to find our place in the world. Trying find who we are and our purpose. I can tell you, you will never truly find who you are or your purpose without Christ,” Gilliland said. “So fellow graduates, do not worry — he is with us and he has a plan.”

Valedictorian Peyton McManus followed Gilliland with her speech where she thanked her teachers and family.

“Fellow graduates, I encourage you to take all you have learned over the last 13 years and put it to good use,” McManus said. “Not just the knowledge, but the character traits that have been instilled in us by the amazing role models in our community.”

Valedictorian Jackson Fitch highlighted getting to know everyone in the 54-member graduating class and getting on a first-name basis with them.

“Although we may not have a whole conversation daily, we at least knew each other and had a mutual respect,” Fitch said.  “I can say with full confidence that each and every one of you here tonight has the potential to do great things and live a successful life.”

Cameron Lockhart was a valedictorian for the class of 2022 as well.

Thorsby Principal Corey Clements gave his commencement address with a “personal conversation” from himself to the graduating class.

“I want to say thank you to each and every one of you, for the way you have represented our school during your time here,” Clements said. “When we met on the first day of school this year, I told you that some of the things we wanted to do at our school this year would only work if you were the leaders. You have exceeded every expectation our staff had for you. For that, all I can say is thank you.”

The 2022 Senior Class officers were President Peyton McManus, Vice President Anna Mims, treasurer Macy Miller and secretary Kohen Davis. The 2022 class motto is “Chase your dreams, but always know the road that will lead you home again” from Tim McGraw. The class song is “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts. The class colors are blue and purple, and the class flower is the gladiolus.

The graduating class ended the ceremony with a cap toss on the football field.

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