Let’s play a game of Simon Says.
Simon Says, “Stand Up.”
These words from senior Sean Lane, who stands in front of the class of 2025 as their Academic Speaker, bring his classmates to their feet. Lane has framed this moment as a quick return to elementary school—one last game to remind them who they once were.
Lane—or, in this case, Simon—says the graduates should take a moment to think about someone, a specific person who supported them on their journey. He then asks his classmates to take one more step. “Simon says, ‘Pull out your phone and text ‘thank you’ to the person who supported you to be able to get to this point.” The graduates texted away, smiles on their faces as they sent their messages.
“I texted Emily Sigler, my Young Life leader, and I texted my best friend’s mom,” senior Avery Carter shared. “Emily has been with me since my freshman year and has been by my side from the minute I met her. I texted my best friend’s mom also since she has supported me like her own kid since I was born and is always there for me!”
Lane’s speech was one of four delivered by a select group of seniors at the morning’s ceremony, each focusing on remembering not just the good days of high school, but the journey to this point and the little moments that made the experience worthwhile—the small smiles in the hallway and simple acts of kindness.
The final speaker was the 2024–2025 Teacher of the Year, Colin Ferebee, a science teacher at Davie, the women’s tennis coach, and the assistant women’s soccer coach. Early in his speech, Ferebee acknowledged that no award is won alone, and so used this first part of his address to thank colleagues like English teacher Matt Barker and specific members of the science department and freshman academy, the coaching staff and athletic training team for women’s soccer, and, most importantly, his family. Ferebee’s mother was also awarded Teacher of the Year at South Davie Middle School in 1996–97. The rest of the speech continues to remind graduates that while life is a race against yourself, it is made possible by others. Your support groups will be the final thing that pushes you through everyday life. Ferebee leaves the graduates with one final thought: “I am so proud of all of you. I cannot wait to hear about your future successes. No matter how far you may stray, you’ll always have a home in Davie County.”
Always having a home in Davie County means more than just after high school; it means during as well. The Davie High staff is dedicated to getting to know each and every student who comes into their class. Building relationships, some that even end in the student being their TA in their senior year. Smiles in the hallways, accompanied by the staff asking their previous students how their year is going, are what make Davie such a special high school. These relationships are shown on the field as well. During commencement, many teachers sit in chairs just at the edge of the rows of graduates. As seniors receive their diplomas, they walk past the collection of teachers who meet them for hugs, high fives, or fist bumps as their high school journey comes to an end.
“Graduation really made me realize that this chapter in my life was closing,” shares senior Will Hedrick. “It was great to hear my name and know that I was done. Walking back to my seat and walking past the teachers who got me where I am helped me realize how much they helped me grow.”
Congratulations to the class of 2025. There are so many places you will go, but remember, there is always a home for you in Davie County.
