Special to The Citizen

MORAVIA - It is the roots that growing up in a small town give that the Moravia High School class of 2009 graduates will take with them as they venture on to the next chapter in their lives.

“We all come from a common beginning,” salutatorian Jennifer Thurston told her fellow graduating class during the school's commencement ceremony held Friday evening at the Moravia High School gymnasium. “But we have become unique individuals. We all have roots in a small town and it is that in which we will draw on as we go into our future.”

Commencement speaker Lora Shea, a high school English teacher, advised the students to take with them courage and being able to view whatever challenges they may face with a new vision.

“Don't be afraid to make huge mistakes,” she advised. “Don't be afraid to take risks. It is with these that you will be able to view the world with new eyes. You cannot change your fears but you can choose to change the way that you view those fears.”

Many of the graduates reflected on how they have been together since their first days of kindergarten. Yet, as they go on to their futures, they plan to keep their roots of a small town with them.

“It has been a joy watching these kids grow up,” said Chris Meddaugh, father of graduate, Autumn Meddaugh. “I love my daughter more every single day. I just love her to death. I have never been more proud of her, or any of these kids than I am right now.”

Autumn has plans to pursue a career in early childhood education, as well as to wed her longtime boyfriend in October.

“These kids have all worked very hard to be where they are,” said Autumn's mother, Arlene Meddaugh. “It is such a special time in their lives.”

Bruce Cobb has plans to follow in his brother's footsteps and will be leaving to join the U.S. Marines at the end of the summer.

Darrin Badman hopes to travel the country when he finishes schooling to become a truck driver.

But, whatever these graduates have planned for their future, they know that it was the small town closeness of the community that helped to make it all possible.

“Growing up in Moravia, in such a small town, we all know each other,” said graduate Steven Kratky. “But it really has made the difference for us all, I think. It is a place where you know no matter what you do or where you go, you will always have a home.”