Huntington North High graduates off to the races

Photo Provided Huntington North High School Valedictorian Gage Byerly encouraged students to embrace the journey before them at the school’s graduation ceremony May 24. Graduates and families who attended the ceremony heard from students, faculty, and Huntington County Mayor Richard Strick. Performances by the high school band and choirs were also featured. Mayor Strick likened the graduating class to the Indianapolis 500, which also occurred May 24. “These [peers, friends and family] are your lifelong pitcrew, you might think of them as ride or die … You didn’t get to the starting line alone. And the love in this room is the fuel that will carry you forward. So, as you join the race of adulthood, our challenge to you is to keep growing,” Strick said. He also encouraged students on their journey forward to remember their place in Huntington County. “Never forget where your foundation was built, in your families and this community. No matter how far the road takes you, or how fast you travel, remember this — you will always have a place to come back to,” Strick said. “Huntington is your home, and our arms will always be wide open when you come back to visit.” Photo by Greenbear Byerly recounted a personal story to inspire his classmates to push forward as they move on from high school. “Sometimes, the very moments that leave us feeling lost are the ones that shape us the most deeply. One of the times I felt most lost in my life came in the spring of 2020. I was doing wheelies on my bike in my parents’ driveway — which is something that I had done many times before because I thought I was a cool kid — and drove the handlebars straight into my groin. At first, my parents gave me the same advice they’d always given my brother and me when we got hurt. Walk it off, you’ll be fine, give it a few days,” he said. “As it turned out, time was not going to help me in this instance. My entire right leg had gone numb because I had suffered a very rare injury. Only the 33rd reported case of its kind in the entire United States since 1972. “The handlebar had crushed the iliac artery in my right leg, cutting off more than half of the blood flow to it. “And the hardest part was that it took nearly four months to understand what was wrong because the injury was so rare that even specialists were unfamiliar with it.” He explained how his summer was spent in the hospital every few days for “yet another inconclusive test.” Byerly said he could not participate in his usual sports or activities, but instead had to spend his days on the couch. He described only being able to use his right leg for up to 30 seconds at a time. “When it was finally time for surgery, I felt relieved because it seemed like the end of a long and painful chapter, but as I walked into the operating room, I was more afraid than I’d ever been. Nothing truly prepares you for lying down on an operating table for a 7-hour surgery and realizing how much is beyond your control.” Byerly said. The surgery was successful, and after recovering, he was able to return to his normal life, but Byerly credits his strength to his faith. With the prayers of friends and family, and his beliefs, he was encouraged through the difficult time and had something to lean on. He concluded by encouraging his classmates to find what they can lean on as they move into their new season of life. “Your future challenges may look very different from mine, but the lesson remains the same. When life feels overwhelming, hold tightly to whatever gives you strength, hope, and direction. Whether that is your faith, family, or the values that ground you. Do not be afraid to lean on it … Do what you love, be grateful for the people beside you, and embrace the journey in front of you … You only get one chance to live it, so live it fully, live it gracefully, and live it graciously.” Byerly said. Salutatorian Molly Ross addressed her fellow graduates and prompted them to think about how they came to sit in their seats at the ceremony. “Today, I encourage all of us to reflect on the people who have helped us, along the way, the people who have watched us grow, and the classmates sitting beside us right now. The memories and experiences we have shared over the years have shaped us each into unique individuals,” Ross said. “Never forget the challenges that you overcame, the accomplishments you celebrated, and the relationships you built along the way. While academic achievement is important, I believe the most valuable thing to come from these past 13 years is the person each of us has become. People may not remember every test score or award or accomplishment, but they will remember your character, kindness, determination, and willingness to help others.” She thanked teachers who had a personal impact on her years in school. Ross also acknowledged the teams, ensembles, groups, and community that helped students find their place in Huntington County, personally recognizing the band. “Over the last 4 years, we have left our mark on the school. just as the teachers and staff have left their mark on us. The truth is that every one of us can probably think of a teacher, mentor, coach, or friend who has helped us shape who we are today.” Ross said.