T.W. Josey graduated some 149 candidates, including 18 with honors, on Thursday evening. Near the beginning of the ceremony, after the pledge of allegiance, honor grad Avisai Sanchez greeted his classmates and the audience with a presentation in both English and Spanish. And hundreds of attendees — excited families, friends and alumni — maintained cheers almost throughout.
In her address to her fellow graduation candidates of the T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School Class of 2023, salutatorian Jasmine RoMesha Alston touched on what has thus far been a recurring theme for Richmond County high school seniors.
“The struggle and uncertainty that we experienced as freshmen due to the COVID-19 pandemic did not hinder us,” said Alston. “Instead, it made us stronger and more independent.”
Alston’s presentation emphasized this sense of empowerment through adversity, noting that her classmates’ struggle helped make them “flexible and courageous,” as the now-graduates found “new footing in the educational landscape,” learning the “importance of connection and compassion in a better way.”
“We breed we adapt and today we celebrate the fruits of our labor, the cost of the library and determination,” Alston said.
She was followed by valedictorian Natalie Zuniga, whose encouragement echoed Alston’s, celebrating the educators who inspired her as much as the occasion, and her fellow candidates. She urged her fellow students to “forge ahead with determination,” but also reminded them that “there’s no rush,” to take things slow, and pursuing their goals.
Zuniga’s earnest speech briefly interrupted by tears. The hundreds of attendees applauded and cheered her on.
“Time is such a precious commodity,” said Zuniga, amid praising teachers, administration, and her family for years of support. “It’s crucial that we allocate it wisely.”
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
