On May 24, another class, the class of 2016, passed through Landrum High School, with impacts to be made on the larger world, after making significant impacts on those in the school and in the Landrum area. The ceremony was held in Landrum High School’s main gymnasium.

Salutatorian Lee Jackson addressed becoming a “master of the universe,” referring to those who excel in many areas. Those who control their own destiny, Jackson said, “are undeterred by any circumstance that stands between them and their goals. Those people overcome every obstacle that opposes them, whether it is poverty, the loss of a loved one, or even a rather difficult English class. Due to their unending perseverance and longing for greatness, masters of the universe aspire to and achieve greatness in everything they do.”

How does one achieve that greatness?

“I believe that no one is born a master of the universe,” Jackson continued. “It takes a lot of work, and a lot of help, to control your destiny, to be undeniable in your quest for greatness.”

Focusing on the theme of work and help, Jackson described the path of Jeffrey R. Immelt, whose high school career included playing three sports and graduating with honors. In college, he was captain of the football team, president of his fraternity and worked on an automobile assembly line to earn money for business school. Immelt still graduated college cum laude. In 2001, Immelt was named CEO of General Electric, a position he holds today.

“This man’s story,” Jackson continued, “is proof that hard work and determination can turn anyone into a master of the universe.”

Jackson then described his own scholastic path, one not initially laced with hard work, but which became more successful after he learned to work hard, and to accept help from others, including family, parents,  members of Landrum’s Class of 2016, and faculty members.

In addition to thanking his family, teachers, administrators, peers and friends, Jackson said “We the Class of 2016 have created a sense of camaraderie that will follow us the rest of our lives . . . Together, I believe we can all be masters of the universe.”

Jackson, son of Danny and Kay Jackson, will be attending Clemson University this fall, where he plans to major in mathematics. At LHS, he was drum major of the marching band, and was also an active member of chorus, Beta Club, the Language Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and student council.

He earned numerous scholarships, including Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Enhancement, Junior Achievement Titan Challenge Scholarship, and Clemson Palmetto Pact Presidential Scholarship.

Class of 2016 Valedictorian Seth Stewart also received many awards and scholarships, and will also attend Clemson University this fall. Those honors include Palmetto Fellows, Clemson Scholar, and the Holy Cross Episcopal Scholarship.

“If I had to choose a word to describe our class, it would be ‘encouraging,’” Stewart told the crowd. As graduates go their separate ways, that division will bring “our new responsibility of singularity.” Some students, Stewart observed, will enter college, others the work force, and others the military.

Regardless, “I hope that each person in this class of 2016 will find his or her place in the world—always taking with you lessons ingrained here at LHS. It will not be easy. Each person in this class has a gift, and it will be up to you to apply your gift to your life, embrace life with a tenacity, find a strength like that of Ms. Vaughn and Ms. Murphy, and combat life’s obstacles with a positive attitude. Smile and joke like Coach Henson and Ms. McReynolds. Encourage and high five like Colonel, always strive to make yourself a better person, and always seek new opportunities to learn”

Graduation ceremonies began with the processional accompanied by the LHS band, continued with the presentation of colors by Landrum’s Junior ROTC, included special music by the LHS chorus, and a warm tribute to Jordan Skylar Powell by Kim Sloan. Powell, just 17, and a member of the Class of 2016, was killed in an automobile crash in January last year while driving to school.

Student Body President Ashton Bateman presented the farewell address. LHS Principal Jason McCraw declared the class graduated, and the class sang the Alma Mater. Caps flew into the air, and the Class of 2016 went on to life beyond high school.