“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” was published in 1990 as Dr. Seuss’s (a.k.a. Theodor Seuss Geisel) last book before he died a year later. This time of year, that book is in high demand as many people give it as an encouragement gift to graduates.
In the coming week hundreds of seniors will be graduating from the five Macon County Schools: Franklin High School, Nantahala School, Highlands School, Macon Early College, and Bartram Academy. It is an annual season of celebration and reflection as well as apprehension and anticipation.
Having written about Macon County’s students and faculties, school activities, sports, awards, and more for eight years now, I am continually amazed at the quality of young adults this community churns out. It is a testament to long-standing, traditional families and values, an instilled solid work ethic, and offerings of varied opportunities.
Just in the last year and a half in Macon Sense, we have featured articles on students like last year’s senior Daniel Riddle who was excelling in not only academics, but music and football as well; and, this year’s Nathan McAllister, who is not only lead black belt instructor at Danny Antoine’s Martial Arts Academy, but was also selected out of 2,500 applicants to receive the Morehead-Cain scholarship – a full ride to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
In our last edition, we put the spotlight on seven students committing to pursue everything from a military career to college athletics. And in this edition, we are spotlighting Graham Caldwell, who will be attending the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to study computer engineering.
And, we are exorbitantly proud of Macon County seniors who have written for Macon Sense. Most notably, Anna Waskey has been a valued asset since we first launched in October 2023, contributing articles to practically every edition. Plus, she has excelled academically, held down a part-time job (other than writing for us), attended church regularly, and been involved in multiple clubs and activities. In the past year she has traveled to Europe with fellow students, participated in the respected American Legion Auxiliary Tar Heel Girls State, and was recently invited to the selective N.C. House Page Program at the State House in Raleigh.
Anna will be greatly missed as a contributor, but we are hopeful that there are other rising seniors in the Macon County Schools who are interested and willing to ply their writing skills for the benefit of Macon Sense – and make a little extra spending money!
However, Anna and so many other graduates give us seasoned adults hope and offer a glimpse into what might be achieved in the future of our county, town, and this country. In fact, while many graduating students may spread their wings and fly away from this area for a while, many who live, work, and raise families here often express hope that Macon County will entice them back to contribute learned skills and experience for the betterment of this wonderful community.
But for now, kudos to graduates! And, as Dr. Seuss exuberantly expressed in “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”:
“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!”
Blessings and best wishes to all Macon County Schools’ graduating seniors!