‘Don’t be afraid to dream small’

Hampton 2026 graduates express gratitude to school staff, community 
 

  • Valedictorian Lofton Ferguson went against the grain of most graduation speeches during Saturday’s commencement exercises in Hampton. Instead of challenging his classmates to “reach for the stars” and climb the ladder of worldly success, he quoted from the Josh Wilson song “Dream Small,” urging them to focus on the now and seek to build strong relationships with those around them.
    Valedictorian Lofton Ferguson went against the grain of most graduation speeches during Saturday’s commencement exercises in Hampton. Instead of challenging his classmates to “reach for the stars” and climb the ladder of worldly success, he quoted from the Josh Wilson song “Dream Small,” urging them to focus on the now and seek to build strong relationships with those around them.
    Paying tribute to the past, honoring their educators and with a look to the future, the 11 members of the Hampton High School graduating class of 2026 received their diplomas in graduation exercises Saturday afternoon. More than one of the class members used their opportunity at the microphone during the event to speak a word of thanks to soon-to-be-retiring Hampton Supt. Holly Herzberg. Their ...

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