Dear Martin County High School Class of 2023:

You are the first graduating class of Martin County High School that entered the new building as freshmen. Your class experienced the excitement of moving into a beautiful new facility for opening day, August 2019. What a memorable year we had until the pandemic descended upon us in March 2020. Never realizing that it would be months, almost a year before you would be able to enjoy our beautiful school again, you launched into the unfamiliar world of virtual instruction. I barely had the opportunity to get to know you prior to this occurring.

For the remainder of your freshman and most of your sophomore year, you would navigate unchartered waters: attending high school at home, in front of your computer. While your high school years may not have been exactly as you envisioned, unknowingly, through adversity, you developed skills that will serve you a lifetime.

On a positive note, your junior and senior years have been filled with numerous unforgettable experiences: athletic district and regional championships, pep rallies, homecoming dances, proms, cheering, playing and performing at Rupp Arena, choir concerts, regional competitions, state and national conferences, earning multiple technical certifications, senior travel club, and the culminating event: graduation under the stars.

Class of 2023, I admire you for your perseverance as you have adapted to challenging circumstances. As you move into the next chapter of life, take these heartfelt words of advice from a principal that deeply cares about you:

• It is during times of adversity that our true character shines brightest. We can choose to be negative and bitter or we can use it as a growing, reflecting time in which we become stronger, more determined individuals
• Surround yourself with positive, upbeat people that will encourage and lift you up. Never permit negative, miserable individuals to steal your joy.
• When making difficult decisions follow your heart and choose what you know is best. A sure way to fail is to try to please everyone.
• Surround yourself with people that are smarter than you are. Value the worth of others and let them know how much you appreciate them. You can never grow as an individual when you belittle others.

I encourage you to hug your loved ones and thank your teachers for getting you to this point in life.

Congratulations on your graduation and best wishes for the next adventurous chapter of life. It is your book and you are the only one that can write it. I wish you nothing but success and happiness throughout each chapter.

Always cherish the memories you have of the years at Martin County High School, Class of 2023.

With love and pride today and always,
Martha Williams, Principal