By M. Weldon Copley
Staff Writer

Powhatan High School graduation exercises were held on Saturday, June 7 at 10 a.m.

Jessica Allison delivered the Salutatorian Address. She spoke of relationships and life lessons, and the need to acknowledge the power and importance of both.

“Congratulations to the class of 2008, we did it!” said Allison.

Richard Cole, principal of PHS delivered the Charge to Graduates. Cole was in the graduating class of 1970 at PHS and is a graduate of the University of Virginia.

His talk centered on “sex, lies, and religion” in Cole’s words. 

Cole challenged the young men graduating to rise above certain expectations placed on them by society.

“Men, shame on you if you allow society’s image to be your excuse.”

He went on to discuss the importance of continued education, regardless of an individual’s specific plans for the future. Whether in higher education or on the job, “education will continue with you for the rest of your life” said Cole.

“Don’t believe the people that tell you that school ends when you leave here today.”

The speech was rounded out with several short directives to the graduates.

“Take time to enjoy the journey, each day is a precious gift,” said Cole.

“Success is not determined by how many things we accumulate. It’s not the things you have, but how you use the gifts you’ve been given.”

This year was Principal Cole’s last at PHS, concluding an 18-year tenure. Dr. Margaret Meara, superintendent of schools thanked Cole for his years of service and praised his work.

“Test scores have gone through the roof. PHS is now scoring in the ninety eighth percentile.”