Inside The Blue And White
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.
Welcome back to the final edition of Inside the Blue and White for the 2024–2025 school year. It’s honestly wild to think the year has already come to a close. It feels like we were just walking into school on that first day, full of nerves, excitement, and iced coffees clutched in hand, not even realizing how fast it would all unfold.
And now, just like that, we’ve reached the end. This past week was filled with emotion, reflection, and celebration. Without question, the biggest event—and the one that truly marked the end of our high school journey—was the Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
On Friday, May 23, the entire community gathered at Bobby Clark Field at 7 p.m. to honor and celebrate the graduates. As the sun began to set, casting that warm, golden glow over the field, you could feel the significance in the air. Families clutched flowers and tissues, students wore wide smiles and caps that barely stayed in place, and the whole moment felt bigger than words could describe.
Water Valley High School Class of 2025 valedictorian Jenna Trusty heads to her chair after speaking in the commencement ceremony.
The ceremony opened with a heartfelt prayer from DeNeshia Breean Spearman, setting a thoughtful and grateful tone. Coach Dexter Ross then took the stage to introduce Historian Heath Wrenn and Salutatorian Jackson Herrera—two students whose dedication and leadership have inspired so many of us. Their words reminded us not just of how far we’ve come, but of the people we’ve become along the way. Following their speeches, Mrs. Anna Koshenina stepped up to recognize the honor graduates. Watching those students stand up one by one, knowing the hard work behind those cords and stoles, was nothing short of inspiring. Then came the moment I was the most nervous for — my own speech. It was nerve-wracking, for sure. But at the same time, it was incredibly bittersweet—a mix of pride and sadness, excitement and nostalgia. It was the end of an era I’ve worked so hard to reach.
Every late night, every early morning, every high and low led to this final chapter. When my predecessor, Mya Harden, first asked if I’d be willing to take over this article, I hesitated. My schedule was already packed, and adding one more responsibility seemed overwhelming.
But let me tell you—I am so glad I said yes. Writing Inside the Blue and White has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my senior year. It gave me a voice, a platform, and a chance to highlight moments that might have otherwise been overlooked. From homecoming highlights to student spotlights, from sports wins to academic achievements—I’ve loved every second of it. More than anything, I’ve felt incredibly supported. Thank you to everyone who read, shared kind words, and encouraged me throughout the year. As we close this chapter and move on to new beginnings, I just want to say: never underestimate the power of showing up, of saying yes, of taking on something that scares you.
Sometimes, the best memories come from the things you almost didn’t do.
This is Jenna Trust signing off for the last time—thank you for letting me be part of your week, your year, and your memories.
