The next chapter
Thirty-five graduating seniors at Holly High School who were members of the Dress for Success program attended the end of the year banquet held in the high school cafeteria on Thursday, May 9, along with family and friends. The banquet is held for seniors who finish the mentoring program.
The program, first implemented in 2018, is to help young men achieve their goals.
Dr. Irene Walton Turnage, Holly Springs Superintendent of Education, said there is a big difference in the young men’s attitude each year the program is implemented.
Turnage said the program is aligned with the district and school’s third strategic great goal: to ensure our students are college and career-ready.
“It is an opportunity to show the students that we are willing to go the extra mile to do something for them beyond the requirements that could have a significant impact on their future.”
Dr./Rev. R.J. Wilson, director of the program, welcomed everyone to the banquet and said the mentoring program is vital for students.
“Thank all our sponsors for helping make the program possible,” Wilson said.
Turnage said the program does not just evolve around getting a nice suit; it gives young men guidance and motivation to help reach their goals.
“We are extremely proud of you,” she said. “It’s not all about the suit. It’s what you do with it. Take that suit and everything you have learned, and use those things to succeed.
“Know that every day is not going to be like sunshine; sometimes it’s going to rain, but even on those days, remember you have everything you need to be successful,” Turnage said.
Special speaker Jamarr ‘Jack’ Walton, Marshall County Election Commissioner District 1 and a 2006 graduating honors student of Holly Springs High School, spoke to the seniors about how they will continue to learn and impact the world.
“We are living in a crucial time. Over the next couple of years, you all will be learning about yourself, maturing as adults and some will go through some difficult and hard times. But, I want you to know you are going to be successful,” Walton said.
“I believe you young men want to win – you were born to win,” he said.
Dr. Carl Hill encouraged the students to look at their choices and options.
“You have increased the options for things that are available to you. You have more available things that you can now make decisions on,” Hill said.
Hill encouraged the students to be true to themselves and to remember three things.
“Be yourself, always. By being yourself, you are applying your strengths and passion to allow yourself to flourish; knock and the door will open for you; and seek and you will find the things you need to be successful.
Congratulations to all the young men in the Dress for Success program at Holly High School and remember, graduation is the first step of the next chapter of your life.