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Shelby County Schools plans to give senior students their diplomas at drive-thru graduation ceremonies in June, unless the governor’s health order is changed or lifted. (File)

By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

BIRMINGHAM – Family and friends gathered inside Bartow Arena the night of Wednesday, May 22, to celebrate a milestone for nearly 400 students that represented the class of 2019 at Oak Mountain High School.

As the graduates sat on the arena floor eager to receive their diplomas they’ve worked so hard to obtain the past four years, Oak Mountain High School Principal Dr. Kristi Sayers said she and the faculty members were happy to help lay the foundation for the students to be successful in the future.

“Throughout your high school career, we have seen you grow and mature,” Sayers said. “We have been involved in your academic endeavors and we have strived to motivate you thinking and cared deeply for you every day. Tonight, we applaud your accomplishments and we hope we played a part in preparing the road for tomorrow and we look forward to your continued success. We’re honored to have been in this chapter of your lives and you will always be remembered fondly. Thank you for a wonderful four years.”

In his address to the graduates, Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks mentioned the story of “The Wizard of Oz” and how several characters thought they didn’t have the tools they needed, such as the scarecrow thinking he had no brain and the tin man thinking he had no heart but in reality, they did all along.

“You see, this cast of characters were prepared for life experiences and had to travel winding, yellow brick roads to figure it out,” Brooks said. “Simply put, they already had the tools they needed to be successful. Class of 2019, as you think about this day and celebrate your accomplishments, I hope you remember that you already have the tools that you need to be successful on your journey through life.”

Anantha Akshitha Korrapati was the valedictorian for the class of 2019 and said she can’t wait to see what her classmates accomplish in the future after graduating from Oak Mountain.

“To all my classmates, I want to congratulate you on your success,” Korrapati said. “All of you have accomplished so much and overcome a multitude of challenges and you should all be very proud. When I think about the Oak Mountain community, I think of ambition and service and we’re a family and helped each other grow these last four years. We made so many friends and memories that will last a lifetime. It is with passion, courage of conviction and a strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world and I cannot wait to see everything we will accomplish. As I close, I would like to have a moment to honor two of our classmates who are not with us today, you are so loved.”

To view or purchase photos from the Oak Mountain High School graduation, visit Shelbycountyphotos.com.

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