North Decatur High School graduates 63
The program began with the band playing Pomp and Circumstance followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.
Principal Nicholas Messer then offered opening remarks, noting this year marks the 57th time NDHS has hosted a commencement ceremony. He then recognized members of the staff and school board, and shared some stats about the NDHS Class of 2025.
Messer pointed out that 92% of the graduating class had taken at least one dual credit course, 40% earned an Academic Honors Diploma, 15% earned a Technical Honors Diploma, one senior earned an Associate's Degree, and 35% of the graduating class had already completed one year of college.
'All of these accolades add up to scholarships totaling $1,835,899,' he said.
He also talked about successes associated with extracurricular activities including a boys basketball sectional championship, girls cross country and both boys and girls golf conference championships, and a state title win by the Academic Interdisciplinary team.
After offering six points of advice, Messer asked the students what they planned to do to change or enhance the direction of their lives.
'Whatever those choices you make are, have a positive attitude, make memories, know your intellectual worth, learn things, and now your self worth,' Messer said.
Class president Cooper Parmer then recognized his fellow classmates. That was followed by the presentation of the Salutatorian Award to Breanna McBride, who recounted some of her high school experiences and offered her peers a few words of advice.
'There is no doubt in my mind that we can all handle the challenges of what's ahead of us as we head out into the real world,' she said. 'Just remember to ... keep setting goals for yourself.'
The presentation of the Valedictorian Award to Cooper Parmer was the next order of business.
He likened life to participation in a sporting event and recapped several of the NDHS Class of 2025's accomplishments. He thanked teachers for their patience, guidance and eagerness to see their students learn. He also thanked his classmates for their friendship and shared experiences, and his parents and other family members for their love and support over the years.
Parmer closed by saying, 'Through all the wins and losses, the pressure and the unknowns, one thing that has always kept me grounded is my faith in God. ... In times of doubt or stress, I found peace in knowing that God was in control. As we head into the next chapter of our lives, I hope we all remember that with God we are never alone. So, here's what I'll leave you with – you don't have to run the perfect offense. You don't have to score every time. But, you do have to play. With courage. With heart. With everything you've got. Because your clock is ticking, so make it count and make it matter.'
In addition to Parmer (president), the NDHS Class of '25 officers were McBride (vice president), Allison Whitaker (secretary), Kayden Scudder (treasurer) and Marshall Snell (historian).
The class song was Good Old Days by Macklemore, and the class motto was, 'Smarter, stronger, slightly sleep deprived.'
Breanna Morris and Molly Martin were the senior class sponsors.
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How to Be More Charismatic, but Not Too Much More
The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Want to stay current with Arthur's writing? Sign up to get an email every time a new column comes out. A special quality sets some people apart from the crowd. They are magnetic to be around, attractive to watch, hypnotic to listen to. They have, in a word, charisma. It seems like a divine grace—indeed, the word derives from the ancient Greek χάρισμα, meaning 'God's gift.' The word appeared in third-century B.C.E. Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible, and early Christians referred to charismata as blessings bestowed on believers such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues. Our modern usage of charisma comes from the early-20th-century sociologist Max Weber, who called it a 'certain quality of an individual personality, by virtue of which he is set apart from ordinary men and treated as endowed with supernatural, superhuman, or at least specifically exceptional powers or qualities.' And today, the concept of charisma is having a moment in the abbreviated slang term rizz, which, in Generation Z vernacular, describes one's ability to charismatically court a romantic partner. It involves a notable power to impress others with smooth talk, confidence, or style—a skill we'd probably all like to have, beyond the domain of romance. Do you have charisma? Would your life be better if you had more? Or is it, like fame, a blessing that hides a curse? The idea of being more charismatic certainly seems appealing, but here's what science can tell you about whether this elusive rizz is a divine gift or a false friend. [From the September 2016 issue: The charisma effect] A number of psychologists have looked for charisma's seemingly magic ingredients. One of the most cited studies on the topic, from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2018, argues that charisma is actually a combination of two traits: influence (the ability to guide others with confidence and competence) and affability (the ability to make other people feel comfortable and at ease). Influence is judged based on qualities such as one's presence in a room, magnetism, and leadership ability. People see affability in, among other traits, frequency of smiling, approachability, and projection of positive energy. Leaders use their charisma to influence others in very specific ways. By analyzing speeches given by charismatic individuals, one helpful model shows a distinct, three-stage use of emotion. First, the speakers model and amplify the mood prevailing among their audience ('We are angry because those people over there are bad!'). Then they introduce a dissonant emotion that actually confuses people ('But you know what? I don't really care about that.'). Finally, they use that confusion to reframe the emotional environment and win over the audience to their view ('Because we should be happy that we are better people than they are!'). You will not be surprised to learn that charisma and professional success are strongly associated. Researchers following people's careers find that charisma early in life predicts a higher income 15 years later, as well as the managerial level a person achieves and the number of subordinates they have. However, this relationship appears to be curvilinear. Scholars in 2018 showed that people with a more charismatic personality are judged to be a more effective leader, but only up to about the 60th percentile. Beyond that point, perceived leadership effectiveness associated with charisma starts to decline. The authors of that study believed this was because extremely charismatic leaders tend to be strong on imparting a vision but weak on implementing it. Another possible reason why a very high level of charisma may lower the perceived effectiveness of a leader is the possible connection with narcissism. High charisma is specifically associated with people whom psychologists label 'agentic narcissists'; these people are extremely self-assured (whereas 'antagonistic narcissists' are mean and aggressive, and not perceived as charismatic at all). You can probably think of individuals whose charismatic qualities make them an effective leader up to a point, but tip over into being off-putting and arousing suspicion. [Tom F. Wright: The origin of vibes] In short, charisma might be a trait you'd want to increase—within reasonable limits. 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The nonverbal-communication training exposed the participants to emphatic body gestures that conveyed a message, warm facial expressions, and powerful voice inflections—all demonstrated by charismatic speakers. You can re-create this input easily by reading the words of famous orators (think Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.), and studying videos of great speakers on YouTube. I stumbled on my own version of this method of the Charismulator intervention early in my public-speaking career, by listening to audio recordings of great communicators. I took copious notes on the speakers I admired, and accepted every invitation to talk in order to practice what I was learning. (Your nephew's bar mitzvah in February in Fairbanks, Alaska? I'll be there!) Anyone can improve their charismatic presence by being conscious of using these physical gestures, but it takes practice to make learned charisma stick. The early feedback I got on my public speaking did not include the phrase incredible charisma. The first notes were more like 'paces like a caged animal' and 'terrifying amount of eye contact.' With time, I did get better at it—fortunately. [Read: The perils of charisma] One question I haven't answered yet—and given this column's remit, you might be thinking that was a strange oversight: Does possessing charisma make you happier? I have found no evidence that addresses this topic head-on. Although you might assume that charisma would deliver happiness, one line of research gives me pause. One human capacity that strongly predicts charisma but is most definitely not correlated with higher happiness is self-consciousness—that is, thinking frequently about yourself. Charismatic people do think about themselves a lot—and that characteristic, as I have previously discussed, usually brings unhappiness. When it comes to happiness, much can be said for accepting who you are, rather than constantly worrying about what impression you're making on others. So yes: You probably can get more rizz, but you might want to skip it and have more peace of mind instead. Article originally published at The Atlantic Solve the daily Crossword
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Tuesday Blessings: Uplifting Words to Inspire Your Week
Each new day is a gift—and Tuesday is no exception. Sandwiched between the buzz of Monday and the anticipation of midweek, Tuesday often gets overlooked. But it holds its own power, potential, and peace. Whether you're seeking motivation, peace, or a gentle reminder of God's presence, Tuesday blessings can help you realign with your purpose. In this post, we'll explore inspirational Tuesday blessings, powerful scriptures, prayers, and share how you can carry a thankful heart throughout the day. Tuesdays may seem uneventful, but they are filled with quiet strength. Here's why blessings on this day are meaningful: A Reset for the Week: If Monday was rough, Tuesday offers a second chance to begin again with grace. If Monday was rough, Tuesday offers a second chance to begin again with grace. Midweek Motivation: Tuesday blessings bring encouragement to stay focused and faithful. Tuesday blessings bring encouragement to stay focused and faithful. Spiritual Grounding: Starting your Tuesday with prayer or scripture strengthens your walk with God. Starting your Tuesday with prayer or scripture strengthens your walk with God. Opportunity for Gratitude: Blessings encourage a thankful mindset, which can transform your day. Here are some beautiful and uplifting Tuesday blessings to start your day with positivity and purpose: 'May your Tuesday be filled with the joy of the Lord, peace in your heart, and hope in every step you take.' 'On this Tuesday, may God's favor go before you. May your heart be light, your spirit strong, and your mind clear.' 'Happy Tuesday! May your burdens be lifted, your path be guided, and your heart be filled with gratitude.' 'God's love never fails. On this Tuesday, walk confidently in His promises.' 'May today be filled with unexpected blessings, answered prayers, and divine protection.' Let the Word of God bless your Tuesday and strengthen your spirit: 'But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…' Perfect for when Tuesday feels draining—remind yourself that strength comes from the Lord. 'Do not be anxious about anything… And the peace of God… will guard your hearts.' Let go of stress and allow God's peace to guard you. 'This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.' No matter the challenges ahead, this day is a gift. 'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him…' An excellent verse for a hopeful and joyful Tuesday. Start your day by dedicating it to God with this simple yet powerful prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for this beautiful Tuesday. I praise You for waking me up and giving me another opportunity to walk in Your me today to be patient, kind, and faithful. Guide my steps, Lord, and keep me in Your will. May my words be a blessing to others and my actions reflect Your love. 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'Wishing you clarity, calm, and confidence today. Happy Tuesday!' To a Parent: 'May your Tuesday be as strong and loving as you are. Praying for joy in every moment.' Looking for something sweet and short to brighten someone's day? 'Tuesday: Coffee, Christ, and Courage!' 'It's a beautiful day to trust God.' 'Tuesdays are for triumphs, not troubles.' 'A little prayer, a lot of faith—Tuesday made great.' 'Turn your 'I have to' into 'I get to.' Blessings flow from gratitude.' Day Theme Suggested Scripture Monday Motivation & Strength Joshua 1:9 Tuesday Hope & Renewal Isaiah 40:31 Wednesday Wisdom & Balance James 1:5 Thursday Thankfulness & Growth 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Friday Joy & Rest Psalm 16:11 Saturday Reflection & Family Proverbs 22:6 Sunday Worship & Praise Psalm 100:4 Want to post a Tuesday blessing on Instagram or Facebook? Here are caption ideas: 🌞 'Good morning and happy Tuesday! May you walk in God's peace and find joy in every little moment. #TuesdayBlessings' 🌼 'This Tuesday, pause, breathe, and give thanks for what you have. Blessings to you and yours! 🙏 #GratefulHeart' ✝️ 'God's love is constant. His promises are true. Trust Him today and every day. #FaithfulTuesday' Here are simple ways to pass on a blessing today: Text someone a Bible verse or prayer. Write a short blessing on a sticky note and leave it for a loved one. Share an uplifting post on social media. Compliment someone sincerely. Donate time or resources to help someone in need. Tuesday isn't the only day you need a blessing! Here's how to extend that peace: Even a 2-minute prayer or verse reading can change your mindset. Keep a gratitude journal or simply thank God for three things each day. Blessings are meant to be shared—encourage someone else every day. No matter what comes your way, remember God is in control. Q1: What is a good Bible verse for Tuesday? A: Isaiah 40:31 – 'But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength…' Q2: How do I bless someone on Tuesday? A: You can send a thoughtful message, say a prayer for them, or share an encouraging scripture. Q3: Why are daily blessings important? A: They help you stay grounded, grateful, and focused on God's presence. Q4: Can I use Tuesday blessings for my business or team? A: Yes! Sharing a blessing boosts morale and encourages kindness. Don't let Tuesday slip by unnoticed. It's a fresh chance to be intentional, inspired, and in tune with God's plan for your life. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the go, may each Tuesday be a reminder that God's blessings are not limited to Sundays or special moments—they're here every day. Take a moment to breathe, reflect, and receive the blessings available to you today. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Atlantic
17-07-2025
- Atlantic
How to Be More Charismatic, but Not Too Much More
Want to stay current with Arthur's writing? Sign up to get an email every time a new column comes out. A special quality sets some people apart from the crowd. They are magnetic to be around, attractive to watch, hypnotic to listen to. They have, in a word, charisma. It seems like a divine grace—indeed, the word derives from the ancient Greek χάρισμα, meaning 'God's gift.' The word appeared in third-century B.C.E. Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible, and early Christians referred to charismata as blessings bestowed on believers such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues. Our modern usage of charisma comes from the early-20th-century sociologist Max Weber, who called it a 'certain quality of an individual personality, by virtue of which he is set apart from ordinary men and treated as endowed with supernatural, superhuman, or at least specifically exceptional powers or qualities.' And today, the concept of charisma is having a moment in the abbreviated slang term rizz, which, in Generation Z vernacular, describes one's ability to charismatically court a romantic partner. It involves a notable power to impress others with smooth talk, confidence, or style—a skill we'd probably all like to have, beyond the domain of romance. Do you have charisma? Would your life be better if you had more? Or is it, like fame, a blessing that hides a curse? The idea of being more charismatic certainly seems appealing, but here's what science can tell you about whether this elusive rizz is a divine gift or a false friend. From the September 2016 issue: The charisma effect A number of psychologists have looked for charisma's seemingly magic ingredients. One of the most cited studies on the topic, from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2018, argues that charisma is actually a combination of two traits: influence (the ability to guide others with confidence and competence) and affability (the ability to make other people feel comfortable and at ease). Influence is judged based on qualities such as one's presence in a room, magnetism, and leadership ability. People see affability in, among other traits, frequency of smiling, approachability, and projection of positive energy. Leaders use their charisma to influence others in very specific ways. By analyzing speeches given by charismatic individuals, one helpful model shows a distinct, three-stage use of emotion. First, the speakers model and amplify the mood prevailing among their audience ('We are angry because those people over there are bad!'). Then they introduce a dissonant emotion that actually confuses people ('But you know what? I don't really care about that.'). Finally, they use that confusion to reframe the emotional environment and win over the audience to their view ('Because we should be happy that we are better people than they are!'). You will not be surprised to learn that charisma and professional success are strongly associated. Researchers following people's careers find that charisma early in life predicts a higher income 15 years later, as well as the managerial level a person achieves and the number of subordinates they have. However, this relationship appears to be curvilinear. Scholars in 2018 showed that people with a more charismatic personality are judged to be a more effective leader, but only up to about the 60th percentile. Beyond that point, perceived leadership effectiveness associated with charisma starts to decline. The authors of that study believed this was because extremely charismatic leaders tend to be strong on imparting a vision but weak on implementing it. Another possible reason why a very high level of charisma may lower the perceived effectiveness of a leader is the possible connection with narcissism. High charisma is specifically associated with people whom psychologists label 'agentic narcissists'; these people are extremely self-assured (whereas 'antagonistic narcissists' are mean and aggressive, and not perceived as charismatic at all). You can probably think of individuals whose charismatic qualities make them an effective leader up to a point, but tips over into being off-putting and arousing suspicion. Tom F. Wright: The origin of vibes In short, charisma might be a trait you'd want to increase—within reasonable limits. Of course, if charismatic individuals are simply born with the gift, this is a moot point. Some charisma, no doubt, is innate. We know, say, that attractive people are perceived as more charismatic than unattractive people; the same is true of more intelligent people. Charisma is also strongly correlated with personality traits, which are 40 to 60 percent heritable. Here, extroverts have the advantage because they tend to be high in influence and affability, while introverts score low on both. Yet ample evidence exists that charisma can be cultivated. Last year, three Israeli researchers created a virtual-reality device called the 'Charismulator' to help people develop a more appealing communication style, both verbal and nonverbal. Subjects who trained for only a few minutes with the device were judged by others to have 17 percent more 'general charisma' than they'd had before the intervention. The nonverbal-communication training exposed the participants to emphatic body gestures that conveyed a message, warm facial expressions, and powerful voice inflections—all demonstrated by charismatic speakers. You can re-create this input easily by reading the words of famous orators (think Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.), and studying videos of great speakers on YouTube. I stumbled on my own version of this method of the Charismulator intervention early in my public-speaking career, by listening to audio recordings of great communicators. I took copious notes on the speakers I admired, and accepted every invitation to talk in order to practice what I was learning. (Your nephew's bar mitzvah in February in Fairbanks, Alaska? I'll be there!) Anyone can improve their charismatic presence by being conscious of using these physical gestures, but it takes practice to make learned charisma stick. The early feedback I got on my public speaking did not include the phrase incredible charisma. The first notes were more like 'paces like a caged animal' and 'terrifying amount of eye contact.' With time, I did get better at it—fortunately. One question I haven't answered yet—and given this column's remit, you might be thinking that was a strange oversight: Does possessing charisma make you happier? I have found no evidence that addresses this topic head-on. Although you might assume that charisma would deliver happiness, one line of research gives me pause. One human capacity that strongly predicts charisma but is most definitely not correlated with higher happiness is self-consciousness —that is, thinking frequently about yourself. Charismatic people do think about themselves a lot—and that characteristic, as I have previously discussed, usually brings unhappiness. When it comes to happiness, much can be said for accepting who you are, rather than constantly worrying about what impression you're making on others. So yes: You probably can get more rizz, but you might want to skip it and have more peace of mind instead.
