During her 13-years with Poplar Bluff Schools, Tracey Cox and her son Tyson have been a team. She started with the district when he was in kindergarten and has been able to experience his youth "from the inside," a unique perspective most parents don't get to see, she said.
But today, Cox arrived to work at the High School and for the first time in 13 years, her son is no longer a Poplar Bluff student.
Tyson and 356 of his classmates graduated Thursday night during the Poplar Bluff High School 2018 commencement ceremony at the Black River Coliseum.
"Going to work everyday is going to feel a lot different without him," she said.
Admiring the 18-year-old as he made his rounds, shaking hands and giving hugs to family and friends, Cox said she is proud of the man Tyson has become.
"I'm proud of the person he's grown into," she said. "I'm proud of all his athletic awards and accomplishments, as well as his grades. I'm proud of his heart and how compassionate he is for other people."
Tyson is a starter for the Mules varsity football and baseball teams, but someone who still sees him as a little boy is his sister, Taylor. She graduated from Poplar Bluff in 2014, but has remained involved in all her little brother's activities through the years. Taylor goes to every football and baseball game she possibly can and cheers for Tyson the same as she did when he was hitting a baseball off a tee.
"It makes my heart very sad because he's all grown up," Taylor said. "But I'm so proud of him for all his accomplishments and the big heart he has."
Principal Mike Owen announced that as a whole, the Class of 2018 earned $3,389,586 in scholarships and the number continues to rise.
Valedictorian Kaitlyn Lloyd's address to her fellow classmates was simple: remain dedicated.
"Well, I can't promise that we will all succeed in life, but I can say that you can overcome any obstacle and any fear as long as you are dedicated," she said. "No matter your past nor your present, your future is whatever you want it to be."
Salutatorian Alyssa Cook thanked many of her mentors through the years. She said she hopes her class dedicates their time to creating legacies worth remembering.
"Some of you may not care, but we are building our legacy, our future, the thing that our successors will remember forever," she said. "The choice is yours, Class of 2018 and I can't wait to see what you do with it."
During the ceremony, Owen recognized two students who passed away during their time at Poplar Bluff. Dylane Eugene Campbell and Robert Thomas Rowland were honored as their classmates presented yellow roses to their families. Owen said during last week's Senior Banquet, Rowland was chosen as the Most Inspiring member of the Class of 2018.