On Friday evening, May 26, around 400 seniors from Greenbrier High prepared to say goodbye to peers, teachers, and making school history.
To begin the ceremony, Columbia County School District’s Superintendent Steven Flynt congratulated graduates, and pointed out the many accomplishments of the class.
“On behalf of the Columbia County School District, I extend to you our sincere congratulations,” he said. “This shows your dedication and commitment to success, and it is only the beginning of what we know will be a bright and promising start to your next adventure.”
Achievements included: 190 honor graduates, a total of $3.4 million earned in scholarships, 17 region championships in athletics, a class where more than half are eligible to receive the Georgia HOPE scholarship, 21 student athletes signing-on with scholarships, the state director’s cup for best overall athletic program for region 14A, the first GHSA 5A state title for the girl’s golf team and many more impressive feats.
“You have officially made your mark as the Greenbrier graduating class of 2023 … As you know the vision of Columbia County School District is to lead the nation in educational excellence, where each student is engaged, enriched and inspired,” he said. “Graduates, we’re extremely optimistic that the experiences throughout your educational journey will provide a foundation to build on all of these things.”
Flynt said he hoped graduates remembered the importance of engaging with one’s future career, enrichment in the beauty of lifelong learning and all the joys that accompany teaching or helping others, and inspiration to continue to achieve in levels far above anyone’s expectations.
Salutatorian Jennah Dabrowski then gave her speech where she thanked many friends, staff and family members for supporting and encouraging her throughout high school; as life comes with many ups and downs, Dabrowski also advised her fellow graduates to try and surround themselves with good people and friends.
“Find people who bring out the best in you. Yes it’s cheesy, I know, but that doesn’t make it any less true; you have the power to choose who you spend your time with – take advantage of that,” she said. “Friends will be a defining part of our lives in school and beyond, so find some good ones. Or, if you’re like me and you already found some, stick with them. Good luck to all of you in whatever you do, and thank you for sharing all these wonderful years with me.”
Valedictorian Brooklyn Oliver shared how she navigated Greenbrier despite it being nothing like High School Musical, apart from the occasional karaoke experience with friends.
“Four years ago, we were all freshmen – the new wolves of the pack as cheesy as that is. Four years ago, we all started a new year at a new school, and had to overcome numerous challenges,” she said. “Freshman year led to quarantine and somehow we were able to persevere and push through till quarantine was over … these times were interesting, and more importantly refining.”
Giving shoutouts to staff members and educators at Greenbrier High and highlighting how many helped students navigate complicated and divided schedules their sophomore year back to school from the pandemic, Oliver said the various challenges from COVID-19 taught the Class of 2023 to be tough and flexible.
“[The challenges] taught me how to be more of a self-starter … they taught me the importance of family and friends. They taught me that if we want to see the change then we have to be the change,” she said. “We will soon be the little guys again, whether we go to college or not, but we can’t let that stop us from achieving our dreams.”
Quoting Ferris Bueller’s “life moves pretty fast; if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it,” Oliver said the last four years have flown by and, as excited as she is for college, she sometimes wishes she could turn back the clock to Kindergarten.
“While it is okay to reminisce, do not linger on the past. You must find a balance, but I also advise you to have a goal for this next stage of life,” she said. “But never let your goal consume who you are. Never let it define you, because what happens after you accomplish it? … now it’s time to move onto college because this cannot be the end … just because we’ve finished high school, it does not mean our lives are set in place.”
Referencing Disney’s famous Ratatouille quote, “if you focus on what you left behind, you would never be able to see what lies ahead,” Oliver concluded her speech by reminding the other graduates it was important for every student to work hard in the next chapter of life, because each may surprise themselves with how far they go and how much they will accomplish.
“Through it all we must be the best versions of ourselves,” she said. “As a graduate, meet new people, make new friends and learn new stories, because stories and experiences lead to history. They will be how we are remembered. Choose people to surround yourself with who will help you write the best story. I’ll never forget the incredible experience I had here with my fellow graduates … never settle for good enough and always go for greatness.”
Graduate Simon Toney, who will be pursuing engineering at Atlanta’s Georgia Tech, said what he loved most about his experience at Greenbrier was being a part of many differing communities, and thus getting to know many individuals who he now considers family.
“That’s been something I’ve really cherished,” he said. “They’ve had a really strong influence on me.”
Class President Lauryn Sharper said she had worked extremely hard throughout high school and is looking forward to college at Kennesaw, but she would severely miss organizing events for the student body to enjoy together.
“I’m going to miss it so much, but it all paid off in the end,” she said. “I’ve been with most of them since elementary … it’s nice seeing everyone have fun, and I’m just grateful for everything that’s happened this far. I want to take that into the future with me, because I’ve had a really great experience here.”
Teacher of the Year Crystal McDowell said Greenbrier graduates are a network of supportive students who she has had the privilege to watch grow and mature.
“These kids call me their school momma, and it truly does feel like that to me,” she said. “They’re so talented, intelligent and have so many multifaceted abilities. It’s just unbelievable and I love watching them do everything they are passionate about. They are just incredible; it is just an amazing class of individuals, and I am super proud … it’s an emotional night for a wonderful group of students.”
Graduate Kyra Pena, who started a club that helps students transition into Greenbrier, said she hoped her contribution to the school assisted welcoming future students.
“I just want people to always feel welcomed to Greenbrier and to know what it means to be part of the pack. Growing up as a military kid, I never knew where I was going to graduate and Greenbrier truly felt like home, so I’m glad I am graduating from here,” she said. “The club is to make people feel more at ease, and just to let them know that we are a safe place where they can be part of the family too.”
The ceremony concluded with students changing their tassels, singing the school alma mater and throwing their caps in joyous celebration after each senior walked across the stage to receive their diploma. Following the event, many students were seen hugging their teachers and saying one last farewell, or taking memorable photos together before parting ways one final time.
