CABOT, Ark.- Cabot High School seniors are less than five days away from graduating, but before that ceremony came a day for those students to honor the people who gave them lessons they’ll never forget.
Life Impact Day is a tradition that’s been carried out for 14 years where each graduating senior gives appreciation to teachers, school employees and other faculty members in the district who have impacted their lives the most throughout their journey in school.
Kayla Hawks was one of the many students who participated, calling the moment bittersweet.
“I never thought that I’d get to this point if I were to take a look at myself three years ago, I would be astonished,” Hawks said.
She said she once felt purposeless and had given up on herself, but attending Cabot High School was just the beginning for her as she met two teachers who challenged her to push beyond her doubts.
“They saw the potential in me, and they started to build my confidence back up, and I started to, like believe in myself more,” Hawks said.
She said she learned life lessons that she’ll carry with her forever, much like Shanly Ray, who also shared words of appreciation.
“This woman has been one of my teachers since sophomore year and made a really good impact on me and it’s just weird now that I’m leaving,” Ray said, as she wiped tears from her eyes.
Although this is it for Ray and other graduates, she said she’s learned enough to take with her throughout her journey.
“Never give up and always have one person you can count on and go to whenever you need anything,” Ray said.
Cabot High graduation takes place on Saturday, May 18 at the Panther Arena. Hawks and Ray both said they’re aspiring to be teachers and leaders of the next generation.