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(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — “Are you ready?” said Shane Blanton, Ph.D, executive director of the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, as he turned to the 36 graduating students in Adams County Christian School’s Class of 2019.

“Yeah,” one student said, shouting back Blanton.

His reply was met with laughter from the attending audience that filled every seat at First Baptist Church in Natchez on Friday evening.

ACCS had two salutatorians, Tessa Wilson and Seth Smith, who reflected on the 12 or more years that brought them both to Friday’s celebration.

Smith said his high school experience taught him what it takes to be a leader and shared that wisdom with his classmates.

“We are the leaders of tomorrow,” Smith said.

Wilson said she and her classmates have all undergone changes, both in physical appearance and in personality, in the time they’ve shared.

“As I reflect on the time I’ve spent with all of you, I am confident I have changed for the better,” Wilson said.

Valedictorian, Shelby Mason echoed Wilson, adding her family and teachers would not have to worry about who she would become because they have rooted her in the lessons they’ve taught her from an early age.

“It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime, so let me say this before we part …” Mason said. “Who can say that I have changed for the better, but because I knew you I know I have changed for good.”

As he addressed the students, Blanton said graduation is not just the end of 12 or more years of hard work.

“This is the beginning,” Blanton said. “I know you are here to celebrate a graduation … but you have the best days ahead of you and a very different crowd to guide you through it. … Congratulations, and now it’s time to get started.”

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