Harman class of 2020 graduates
The Inter-Mountain photos by Brooke Binns To remain socially distant during Harman School’s graduation ceremony, Natalie Teter, class valedictorian, addresses her fellow classmates over the school’s intercom system due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Randolph County Schools Superintendent Debbie Schmidlen poses for a photo with Harman School’s salutatorian, Emily Marple. Schmidlen previously served as principal of Harman School from 2005 until 2010, having many of the 2020 graduates as students during this time, including Marple
Alex Nelson is presented with a diploma from Harman School Principal Laura Hawkins during the school’s 83rd commencement ceremony.
The Inter-Mountain photos by Brooke Binns To remain socially distant during Harman School’s graduation ceremony, Natalie Teter, class valedictorian, addresses her fellow classmates over the school’s intercom system due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Randolph County Schools Superintendent Debbie Schmidlen poses for a photo with Harman School’s salutatorian, Emily Marple. Schmidlen previously served as principal of Harman School from 2005 until 2010, having many of the 2020 graduates as students during this time, including Marple
Alex Nelson is presented with a diploma from Harman School Principal Laura Hawkins during the school’s 83rd commencement ceremony.
Trending
The Inter-Mountain photos by Brooke Binns
To remain socially distant during Harman School's graduation ceremony, Natalie Teter, class valedictorian, addresses her fellow classmates over the school's intercom system due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Randolph County Schools Superintendent Debbie Schmidlen poses for a photo with Harman School's salutatorian, Emily Marple. Schmidlen previously served as principal of Harman School from 2005 until 2010, having many of the 2020 graduates as students during this time, including Marple
Alex Nelson is presented with a diploma from Harman School Principal Laura Hawkins during the school's 83rd commencement ceremony.
HARMAN -- Firetrucks blocked the roadway leading to Harman School to allow family and friends to gather in celebration of 2020 graduates.
Eleven Harman students received their high school diplomas in a unique, intimate gathering.
In accordance with Gov. Jim Justice's guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, families of graduates entered the gymnasium one family at a time to see their student be recognized for their achievement.
Upon receiving their diplomas, students were allowed extra time in the gymnasium for photographs with family and friends.
Valedictorian Natalie Teter delivered her speech two separate times -- once to her family and once over the school's intercom system to her fellow graduates.
"We have been faced with many more roadblocks than the average senior class, but there is good to come from this. We are much more resourceful, and dare I say, hardheaded because of it," she said.
Teter went on to describe the type of people she and her classmates grew to become thanks to their time at Harman School.
"We came into Harman School as bright-eyed 5-year-olds, and because of our experiences, we are leaving as caring, self-aware, resourceful, curious, independent, vocal, humble, patient, service-oriented young adults," she said.
Teter highlighted some of the situations she and her classmates were faced with and described how they learned from the experiences.
"When members of our class had medical issues, we sent get-well cards and helped them any way we could -- this taught us to be caring and self-aware.
"Limited resources taught us to think outside the box and, if need be, teach ourselves -- this has made us curious and independent," Teter said. "When the roof fell in and the future of our school was threatened, we learned the importance of advocating for yourself and what a difference it could make.
"Last year, when we were faced with the flood, we were humbled by those who lost everything. We learned the importance of community and coming together to help neighbors in need.
"And finally, the coronavirus, the reason I am speaking to people I cannot see," Teter continued. "… We learned that things don't always go our way, and our plan is nothing compared to God's plan."
Similarly, salutatorian Emily Marple offered an emotional speech, leaving many with tears in their eyes.
"This is not how I imagined giving my speech," Marple said. "We should be standing together on stage laughing because this is one of the best days of our lives.
"To classmates, most of us have been together from the start -- from the first day of kindergarten, to where we are today," Marple continued. "We are blessed to live in a small community. We have watched each other grow into young adults we are today. Whether we go to college, take up a trade or find ourselves a job, I wish you all the best of luck in the future. Keep in touch and stay safe."
In addition to a gift from their advisor, each graduate received a banner printed with their name and senior portrait.
Class of 2020 graduates from HHS include Allen James Bonner, Dallas Scott Chaney, Braydan Alexander Huffman, Michael Joshua Lee Lambert, Emily Paige Marple, Peyton Victor Mullenax, Alex Robert Nelson, Kylie Dawn Teter, Natalie Suzann Teter, Shane Burley Varner and Alison LeeAnn Warner.