ENTERPRISE — A color guard led the 2023 graduating class from Enterprise Attendance Center Friday afternoon with the Mississippi state flag and the United States flag. An overflowing crowd of people filled the Yellow Jackets gym. 

Aubren Ezell was the salutatorian and greeted the crowd at the celebration. She said she started out by typing up her message wondering if she wanted to be funny or keep things professional. In the end, she settled on staying true to herself and gave words of encouragement for the years ahead. 

“Always be kind and have grace. Someone could have the worst day of their lives. No one will ever be perfect,” Ezell said. “Mark 12:31 says to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.’ Being hateful will get you nowhere. Always be grateful. You could lose everything in the blink of an eye. You deserve more love than I can give. I’m thankful for my family and friends who pulled me from the darkest places. Remember to always work hard. Take pride in what you do. I wish everyone the best of luck, I know you will be great. I appreciate everyone. God bless America.” 

Elise El-Rai was the valedictorian and stepped up to the podium to thank the school and community for what they have done. Enterprise gave the students a “sturdy foundation to build our futures on,” she said. 

Teachers and mentors at the school were like family from the moment students stepped on campus. Faculty pushed students to “achieve more than we thought possible,” and as a result “we are forever grateful,” El-Rai said. 

“Your support means everything. You will always be a source of wisdom and guidance. Thank you to my classmates for being sources of inspiration. I would like to challenge all of y’all to not be afraid to take risks. It is important to forge our own path and leave our mark on this world. Let us inspire and uplift each other. Our destiny awaits us. May God guide us.” 

Principal Terry Brister closed the ceremony by saying “By the power invested in me I present you the 2023 graduating class,” before students moved tassels and flung hats into the air. It was a 20 minute graduation as 41 graduates received their diplomas Thursday night.

Parents and graduates met in a sea of people as some embraced and others posed for pictures.