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GRADUATION
Huntington High grads feel ready to face the future
Huntington High graduate C.J. Crawford busts a move during Huntington HighÕs graduation ceremony Saturday at Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
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HUNTINGTON -- Future servicemen, athletes, welders, educators and more came together one last time in a crowd of green caps and gowns Saturday at Big Sandy Arena as Huntington High School's Class of 2009.
"I'm very anxious. This is literally the point where your life changes." said Emily Mink, 17.
Mink said high school flew by, giving her more understanding about the things that happen in life and surprising her along the way.
"A lot of things happened that I didn't expect. A lot of things didn't happen that I expected," she said.
Throughout the years, Mink said she's been lucky to have the same best friend. They've talked each other through break-ups and even tattoos. Next year they will go to Marshall University, she said, where Mink may study education.
Darnay Mosby, 18, is another future Marshall student. He plans to study technical engineering and is considering a career in construction. He said he was feeling great on graduation day.
"I experienced a lot at Huntington High. I'm going to miss it, too," he said.
Brandon Spaulding, 18, said he plans to attend Marshall for one year and then transfer to Clark Atlanta University. He said Huntington High gave him the "A, B, Cs" he needs to move forward. He plans to study psychology.
"I am feeling very, very good and excited," he said. "I'm most excited about walking across the stage."
Guidance counselor Melanie Pinkerman said the Huntington High seniors are the classiest bunch she's ever met. She said they're smart, funny, outgoing and well-rounded, with five Merit Scholars and one perfect ACT score among the students.
"I couldn't say enough nice things about these kids," she said.
Spaulding said the Class of 2009 is full of unique characters.
C.J. Crawford, 18, agrees. The future Marshall football wide receiver said Huntington High runs the gamut with "superstar" athletes to "average Joes."
Crawford said he was more excited about his future than anything else on Saturday.
"I'm just living for the day," he said.
Erika Swann, 19, is ready for the future, too. She is working to become a welder and will continue her third year of vocational school in the fall.
"I'm very excited. It took me 13 years to get to this spot and I finally did it," she said.
Swann said high school had its ups and downs, including the death of one of her best friends.
"It's a strange feeling, but I'm ready to take whatever life throws at me. I know if I can take high school, I can take anything," she said.
Zac Milton, 18, is moving on, too. While he said he made a lot of friends and had a lot of fun, he's ready to serve his country as part of the U.S. Navy.
"It's a new experience, going out into the world. Now my childhood is over," he said.
Huntington High facts
NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN SENIOR CLASS: approximately 344
GRADUATION SPEAKERS: student body president Michael Ray, principal Gregory T. Webb, senior class president John Castillo
CLASS COLORS: gold and white
CLASS MOTTO: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about dancing in the rain."
