Turn the tassel and celebrate achievement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By John Smithson

Every student at high school graduation begins the ceremony with their tassel on the right side of their cap and moves it to the left side late in the ceremony to signify their transformation from a degree candidate to a graduate with their diploma in hand.

That simple act of moving the tassel is a blink of an eye compared to the four years spent by the graduates at North Myrtle Beach High School. Each student selected their own course of study that ended with their diploma and preparation for college, technical college, a career in the military or another goal they have created for themselves as they go forward in life.

Daily classes and progression in subject learning are just part of what shaped each person and moved them through high school. Athletics and participation in school sports or other extra-curricular activities are often a key ingredient in the development of each student that crosses the stage on graduation day.

I have watched boys and girls in high school join a sports program, learn the skills of that sport and become part of a team that excels because of the effort and commitment of the individual. There is no “I” in team, but individual effort, learned ability and the desire to help the team succeed, also help the student succeed and the school educate at a high level.

I am amazed at the ability of a sprinter that wins a 100-meter race, or the long-distance runner who collapses after winning a 1600 meter run yet feels they have not performed to their best ability.

I also watched kids join new sports like boys’ volleyball and girls’ and boys’ lacrosse and steadily improve until they are honored as seniors with recognition as scholar athletes or all-region players in their sport.

I have seen the athletes who constantly strive to do better and wholeheartedly participate, even though they don’t get name recognition. Coaches always want to win but are proud of those students that make their rosters and work hard, play hard and excel in the classroom.

However, a student’s success is not limited to participation in sports. The Band of Chiefs also celebrates individual and group awards for its band and orchestra. The Drama Club, the chorus and theater have also made a name for themselves, and most importantly graduated students are prepared for their future in the arts.

The school also has leadership options for students through the Dabate Club, Book Club, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy. The National Honor Society, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta (Math), and other subject-specific honor societies are also available. The Key Club focuses on community service as does Interact (Rotary Club).

So, as a student at NMB you can hit a walk off single or win a debate. You can be class president or be on the cheer team. You can win a state championship as a team or receive a standing ovation for a play or concert.  Your choices determine what you become and what you attain.

One recent announcement by the high school drove home to me the connection between student participation in school extra-curricular activities (sports) and the educational accomplishments of those students.

The high school’s softball team had two top ranked graduates in the 2026 class.  Hadley Leonhardt was named the Valedictorian of the class and Sierra Bendik was named the Salutatorian for the class of 2026. An amazing accomplishment and proof of what commitment and effort can do on the field and in the classroom.

Moving that tassel a few inches at graduation is more than an ending to high school. Reaching for that tassel is more like the beginning of a personal documentary of each student, highlighting the accomplishments, the opportunities, the challenges, the teamwork and their individual grit, talent, and determination.

Time to celebrate. Congratulations Class of 2026.