Dear editor,

Friday night in Plantersville, the Dallas County High School Class of 2009 walked across the platform and received their diplomas.

It was a great evening: beautiful weather (thanks be to God), friends, family, fireworks, “Pomp and Circumstance,” Michael Johnson came home, and short speeches. Thanks, Mr. Ingram and staff, for doing your part for a nice graduation. I especially liked the quotes which the salutatorian, Lindsay Morgan, and guest speaker, Johnson, gave from God’s word.

There was one young man who began his high school career with this class who did not walk across the platform. I believe, had Justin Harvell been living, he would have passed the requirements and received his diploma also.

Justin believed the quote from Phillipians by Johnson that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. He was a lover of God’s word and a follower of Jesus.

A month ago, as I was working in the vegetable garden, my friend and their friend and classmate came to mind. I could just hear him saying, “Mrs. Ingram, can I help you? Is there anything I can do for you here?” I would have welcomed his help, too, along with his great attitude of caring for others, foreseeing their needs, empathizing with their hurts.

Class of 2009 from DCHS, know that your classmate Justin Harvell graduated to a better life when he left this earth in November of your freshman year. His prayer for you all was that you would someday graduate to eternal life because of your accepting Jesus Christ as your savior.

In the grand scheme of things, I believe Justin made it better than all the diplomas and degrees available this side of eternity. You and all the other schools’ classes of 2009 have reached a turning point in your life by receiving that diploma. May you all be aware of your maker and live to honor him as you move in the future. In doing that is true wisdom and peace in this life. Thank you, Justin, for being such a good example.

Gail Box Ingram

Valley Grande