Demopolis High School will be bidding farewell to the Class of 2016 Friday night with commencement at Tiger Stadium beginning at 7 p.m.
Leading this year’s senior class will be Shoni Jones as valedictorian and Logan Etheridge as salutatorian.
Jones is the daughter of Sheri Jones and Shone and Lisa Jones. She plans on attending the University of Alabama in the fall where she will pursue a degree in chemical engineering.
“I hope to attend medical school and pursue a career in dermatology; my ultimate goal is to leave a positive impact on people’s lives. I am looking forward to the medical field as I feel that this path will provide me with multiple opportunities to help others in a variety of ways,” she said.
The valedictorian encourages other students to take time to enjoy their time in school.
“Enjoy every second of high school,” she said. “It’s easy to get so caught up in the excitement of graduating and the future that we forget to appreciate the time we have now; even thought you think you won’t miss it, you will. Just remember that the future will always be there, so enjoy the present while you can.”
Jones expressed her deepest gratitude to all of those who have been there for her over the years.
“I want to send a special thank you to all the amazing family, teachers, mentors, businesses, and friends that have supported me in everything I’ve done. I’m so grateful to have had you all to guide and encourage me all these years and I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Thank you all for molding me into the person I am today.”
Serving as salutatorian is Logan Etheridge, son of Timmy and Rachel Etheridge. He plans to attend the University of South Alabama where he will major in biomedical sciences.
“I plan to get my Ph.D. in pharmacy and work in a retail pharmacy for a couple of years. I eventually want to own my own pharmacy and give back to the community that has given me so much over the years,” Etheridge said.
The salutatorian encourages younger students to live life to the fullest.
“My advice to future DHS graduates is to never take anything for granted and enjoy the time you have because before you know it will be the week of graduation and you will be going into the real world wondering where the time went. Live every moment like it’s your last because a great life is the sum of many great moments,” he said.