‘Fearless’ class returns to their home
Published: May 20, 2006
Friday night’s ceremony at Pass Christian High School was not only a commencement, it was a homecoming.
The graduates returned to the school where they started their final year at their insistence. The high school campus is being rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina’s destruction and students have been holding classes in trailers at DeLisle Elementary.
Valedictorian Tavis Kelly and Superintendent Sue Matheson spoke of the class’ fearlessness. Ninety percent of the students lost their homes due to Katrina. 107 of a class of 115 returned to school and 103 stayed and graduated.
Many students made sacrifices and took on the burden of adult responsibilities early to be with their classmates and their town. After Andrew Fritz’s family lost their home, he returned alone to finish the school year.
“I made up my mind I was going to come back no matter what it took,” said Fritz. “It’s a great school and a great community and I am happy to be graduating from here.”
Fritz said the teachers and staff pulled together and made graduating from the devastated district possible. “They were always there for us,” said Fritz.
Nicholas Smith also returned alone, living in a tent in the Village (a tent city) for a while. Smith said the experience was difficult. He said he came to a point where he didn’t care and was even in danger of not graduating, but with encouragement from his parents and help from the staff, he pulled through.
The families of both Fritz and Smith are rebuilding their homes, as are those of many other graduates who want to see their town come back. Like so many graduates across the country, Pass grads believe the best is yet to come. However, these young adults especially have proven they know about the hard work and perseverance it takes to realize their dreams and are dedicated to building them.
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