LOYD STAR — Hornet seniors moved their tassel and threw hats in the air to celebrate graduation Thursday at Loyd Star Attendance Center. In total, 37 seniors received diplomas Thursday evening.

Carson Hughey was the valedictorian and took the opportunity to share her testimony with the graduating class and offer encouragement as they go into the real world. She was selected for a presidential scholarship at Co-Lin Community College where she will work towards becoming a nurse practitioner and playing softball. 

“In 2004, there was an orphanage where God chose a little girl to be adopted to a family here. He had a plan to bring me to Brookhaven, Mississippi and go to school at Loyd Star,” Hughey said. “Whether you go off to college, vo-tech or into the workforce, everyone of our futures are unknown but I know who holds our future. Jeremiah 29:11 says ‘for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ and continues on in verse 12 ‘then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’ When the trials do come my hope is you know who to turn to. In James 1 it says ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’ If you make Jesus your Lord and Savior you will always be secure. I pray you will give your future to him. Thank you to everyone. To my fellow graduates we did it. I could not have asked for a better class and I look forward to seeing your future. This community will always have a special place in my heart.” 

Alyssa Leggett was the salutatorian and preceded Hughey’s message with a look back at fond memories and good times at Loyd Star. She plans to go to Southwest Mississippi Community College and will study to be a dermatologist. 

Her parents Scott and Denise Leggett are the softball coaches for the Hornets and will retire at the end of this softball season. Alyssa came to Loyd Star with her parents a few years ago and thanked everyone for getting the class to graduation. 

“I would like to thank God for this class and all of our friendship and memories. Thank all of you parents, coaches and teachers for investing your time,” Alyssa said. “Without your support we wouldn’t be who we are today. Looking back, I think of all the memories we have made. We made it through the pandemic. We have a lot to be proud of so enjoy tonight’s celebration. It marks a chapter ensign but a new one will soon begin. It has been a privilege and I’m excited to see where life takes us. Always be the best you can be. I love each and everyone of you. I pray God blesses you.” 

Principal Dena Ford made the welcoming address. She is not returning to the school next year. 

“We are sending you off into the future,” Ford said. “Here is a quote to keep you moving forward. ‘If you want something you must be willing to do something you have never done.'”