The top graduates of Poplar Bluff High School’s Class of 2023 are valedictorian Emmalein Pendley and salutatorian Jack Scott. Both of them reminisced on the last four years and expressed their hopes for the future during PBHS’ graduation ceremony on Thursday.
Pendley had a busy high school career, participating in multiple clubs, sports and activities, including junior varsity and varsity basketball. She was the alto saxophone section leader of the PBHS SHO-ME Marching Band during her junior and senior years. Off the field, she took leadership roles in Science and Environment Club, Math Club, Literary Club and Academic Team.
Moving forward, she said, “I will miss the long yet entertaining bus rides with my Academic Team group.”
Pendley plans to attend Missouri State University and major in astrophysics and astronomy.
“I have always been interested in science and mathematics and the exploration of the universe is fascinating to me,” she explained. She wants to become a research astrophysicist. But most of all, “I am looking forward to further discovering what I want in life and who I really am.”
As they leave high school behind, Pendley hopes her classmates will live with kindness and forethought.
In her graduation speech, she urged, “Have an open mind and try to show compassion and empathy for those around you, especially if you come from a different place, a different financial situation, a different religious view, a different culture. I’m going to ask you to forgive those that wrong you because you, in turn, deserve to be forgiven for your mistakes.”
She also recalled the advice she heard throughout high school to “make good choices.” Everyone has only one life and should be careful to live it well, she told graduates.
“You have nothing but time yet it is the scarcest commodity,” she said.
She had many people to thank for her accomplishments.
“I would like to thank my family, who have always supported me, as well as the staff at Poplar Bluff School District, without which I would not have to opportunities before me nor be the person I am today,” she said.
She is the daughter of Brad and Gretchen Pendley.
For his salutatorian speech, Scott recalled hearing his basketball coach say, “It goes by quick,” but not believing him at the time.
“Being here tonight really makes me realize how true the saying ‘it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey’ really is. Because we’re all at the same destination,” he told his fellow graduates.
“It’s an amazing accomplishment to graduate, but in 20 years when we look back, we’re not going to remember the piece of paper that says we went to class for four years,” he continued. “...We’re going to remember all the good times we had and all the people that made a positive impact on our lives.”
Scott was active in Mules sports as a member of the varsity basketball team. The rapport with his teammates is something he will miss as he enters the next stage of his life and education.
“I will miss all the great conversations at the lunch table and home basketball games,” he said.
Nevertheless, Scott knows the future is bright.
“I’m looking forward to going off to college and expanding my horizons,” he explained.
He, too, will enroll at Missouri State University. He is still deciding on a major but knows his overall goal is to lead a life he is proud of.
“Eventually, I want to be successful in whatever career I pursue and more importantly, happy.”
Scott thanked the teachers and staff at PBHS for giving students the tools for success, followed by the students who made his high school experience so memorable.
His greatest thanks went to his family.
“Finally, I’d like to thank my family because if it wasn’t for their support, there’s no way I would be standing up here tonight,” he said.
Scott is the son of John and Kendra Scott.