Buckingham County High School’s graduation speakers imparted each of the more than 120 graduating students with messages of gratitude, resilience and seeking good things as they enter their lives in the workforce or in college.

There were numerous students who received associate degrees from Southside Virginia Community College in addition to diplomas from Buckingham County High School.

Buckingham County High School Principal Rudolph Roethel encouraged students to pursue civility in their communications, even with viewpoints where they disagree.

“Look and work toward doing the right thing; it may not be popular, and it may be hard, but it is a measure of who you are,” Roethel said.

Buckingham County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Daisy Hicks, in her first commencement presentation as superintendent, praised the students on their achievements and expressed pride.

Salutatorian Diante Lee encouraged students to be resilient and hardworking in their daily lives, evoking laughs through references to pop artist Ariana Grande.

“I have no doubt in my mind that every single one of you has the potential to succeed,” Lee said.

“I know it won’t be easy, and there will be obstacles,” Lee said. “They will knock you down nine times, but you will get up 10. Resilience will be key.”

Lee will attend University of Virginia, where he plans to major in media studies and apply to the McIntire School of Commerce to concentrate in marketing with a track in advertising and digital media.

Valedictorian Wyatt Yoder first came to Buckingham County High School as a sophomore. He spent 10 years of his life serving with his family in Sri Lanka, where he was homeschooled. Yoder thanked his classmates, teachers and community for welcoming him. He made references to rapper Post Malone, “We made it.”

He quoted Colossians 3:23, which speaks about working wholeheartedly in everything one does for God.

“No matter what you’re doing, no matter who it’s for, try your absolute best at it,” Yoder said.

“We have been given great opportunities here for future success,” Yoder said. “As we enter the real world, it’s open to us.”

Yoder will be attending the University of Virginia School of Engineering in the fall and hopes to become a civil engineer.