Rome High seniors and their families took part in a unique experience on Tuesday night in the gymnasium as senior parents watched their children take a pledge to graduate in the school’s first pinning ceremony.
The ceremony began with seniors taking a special pin from one of two tables and then making their way to the bleachers to sit with family and friends.
“This is our first pinning ceremony. We thought this was a great idea to celebrate our families and our seniors and kick off the year the right way,” Rome High Principal Parke Wilkinson said to start the event. “To the class of 2025, this is it. There aren’t many high school principals that get to say this but I’ve actually been with a lot of these students since kindergarten, first grade, and middle school and it’s just been an honor and a privilege for me to see them on their educational journey.”
Wilkinson wanted to make sure parents and seniors were prepared for the year ahead and the many firsts and lasts they will see.
“Think about the challenges you have overcome to get to this point. I tell you to look toward the future but enjoy the present. To the seniors, make good decisions, work hard, and know we are always proud of you,” Wilkinson said. “You’re going to be singing the alma mater a lot this year. I tell you right now that I can’t wait for a beautiful Saturday morning in late May when all of us will come together at Barron Stadium and sing it to end graduation.”
Amanda Howell then led the entire senior class in a pledge. As she recited the lines, the seniors repeated them.
“I will finish what I started, and I will promise to try my best. I will never give up. I will see each day and every situation as an opportunity to learn. I will be responsible, respectful, and a role model. Go Wolves,” she said.
After finishing the pledge, a family member took a moment, and placed the pin on their senior. Many were followed with hugs, laughter, a few tears, and most often another family member taking photos or videos with their phones.
Rome City Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland then spoke. He gave a throwback to a few years ago when he served as Rome High’s principal.
“I had the opportunity to serve as your principal and now as your superintendent. I haven’t gotten a chance to do this in a while. I don’t know if you guys remember it or not, but every single morning we would say, ‘Hey, Hey, Hey’,” he said.
Without missing a beat, the students responded with an enthusiastic, “It’s Dr. H.” Holland smiled and then said it again before continuing.
“Seniors, 13 years ago you started this journey. Come May 24, 2025, you will get 13 seconds to stand on the stage to hear your name called and provide Mr. Wilkinson with the most powerful handshake in the world. Then you will exit the stage,” he said. “You work your entire life for those 13 seconds. Please don’t take those 13 seconds for granted.”
He reminded all the seniors to work hard and to enjoy the last year, he also left everyone in the gym with one last inspirational message.
“Don’t ever let anyone tell you the sky's the limit, when we have footprints on the moon,” he said.
The ceremony ended with more hugs, smiles, and lots of photos. The excitement permeated the air as Rome High’s Class of 2025 took another step toward graduation day.