Reynolds, Sackett top class
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Ryce Reynolds, Class Valedictorian; Mya Sackett, Class Salutatorian
The salutatorian and valedictorian were announced by Mount Ayr High School principal Josh Vanderflught during the commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19.
The first honored guest to be introduced started a side business when she was just 11 years old.
The daughter of Tom and Kristi Sackett, who own and operate Sackett Farms, Mya enjoys baking sweet treats, reading, and worked hard for her 4.0 status.
Mya Sackett, head baker at Sackett Sweets, and class of 2024 salutatorian, offered a few simple words of advice to those who have not yet graduated.
“Get good grades,” Sackett recommended, “Respect your teachers and your parents, they are just trying to help you be the best versions of yourselves.”
“See the bright things in life over the dark,” Sackett continued, “Wherever you are going, strive for excellence and then success.”
The last piece of advice she offered cannot be ignored.
“Never give up,” said Sackett, “While it is a tedious expression, it’s true. You’ll never know what you missed out on if you stop trying.”
The son of Ryan and Angela Reynolds was intoduced as the top graduate of the class of 2024.
Although valedictorian Ryce Reynolds could have been introduced as a young man with a one track mind, and a 4.0 GPA, he offered a bit of wisdom about life’s pursuits.
“My purpose in life is not just about running,” said Reynolds, “For far too long, I determined my own self-worth by the success of my performance.”
This year, Reynolds became the first athlete to ever win both the open 400 meter and the 400 meter hurdle event three years in a row.
“Over time, I began to see track and field as a sport that was draining me,” Reynolds shared.
“The sport that gave me the most joy also began to give me the most heartbreak, anxiety, and tears,” admitted Reynolds, “I realized that placing my entire identity into my athletic performance left me feeling empty, null, and never good enough.”
With the help of his church family and high school FCA group, Reynolds found a new purpose.
“I realized that my true identity is found in nothing else but Christ alone,” stated Reynolds, “God has shown me that my purpose in life is to use His gift for me to shed light on His name, not mine.”
“Win or lose, I am now at peace knowing my performance depends entirely on God, and His plan for me,” Reynolds shared.
In closing, he asked his classmates how they can reach their greatest potentials, receive life’s greatest gifts, and find purpose in life.
“Walking out into the world today, it is up to you to find comfort in being uncomfortable,” Reynolds said.
“Push yourself to places in life that you could have never imagined,” encouraged Reynolds, “Be thankful for the blessings that come with life’s greatest challenges.”
“Most importantly, use discomfort as a compass to navigate and pave the way for your true meaning in life,” Reynolds said.
Although Sackett and Reynolds have had different pursuits, they share a love for reading.
“One of my favorite books is called ‘The Comfort Crisis’ by Michael Easter,” said Reynolds, “This book tackles one of our modern society’s greatest crises, becoming too comfortable in life.”
“These words in particular have left a lasting mark on me ever since,” Reynolds said of his favoite quote from the book, “Comfort is like a sedative that numbs us to the richness and depth of life.”
Sackett named The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry among her favorite books.
What will you read this summer?
