Celebrating almost 50 graduates with a winter ceremony at Butler High School, Richmond County School System congratulated a 78-year-old for inspiring others in the community by earning her diploma on Thursday evening, Jan. 25.
Through Richmond County’s Back on Track Diploma Completion program, older adult and graduation keynote speaker Mary Williams was able to finally earn her high school diploma and fulfill a promise to a passed loved one.
“I promised it to my daddy. He’s passed but I promised him I would get it, and I did,” Williams said.
Alongside many other non-traditional graduates from all over the county, who had previously dropped out or fallen behind, Williams said their accomplishment meant it was never too late to achieve a goal or follow one’s dream.
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“I have waited 60 years to participate in this graduation ceremony … it took me a while, but I finally did it,” she said.
Although Williams had never used a computer and faced multiple learning curves, she arrived early to class everyday and was supported by teachers and family members to continue the path to success.
“Taking notes was hard and some days I wanted to quit,” she said. “Teachers called me an inspiration … but they encouraged me.”
For Williams though, the biggest lesson of all was experiencing the power of her own sheer will and inner strength.
“Never say never,” she said. “If you want to do something, put your mind to it and do it … I am 78 years old and I did it.”
Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Bradshaw said Williams served as an inspiration for all students.
“It’s amazing – the determination and dedication [of Williams]. We’re so proud of her,” Bradshaw said. “Her story was just an inspiration to all of us.”
Similar to Williams, Bradshaw said he hoped all participating graduates felt an immense sense of accomplishment as each stepped into the next phase of their life.
“We want our students to come back and know how important that high school diploma is,” he said. “I hope they continue to do great things … and we want them to continue being a light shining for Richmond County.”
With students dressed to impress, the graduation also featured several principals and staff from the county’s eight participating high schools.
During the ceremony, Principal Bernard Chatman of Butler High School said education has always been about growing students’ minds and encouraging them to attain any goal they may set for themselves.
“Education is about growth. Undoubtedly, [they’ve] all adapted and grown,” Chatman said.
Calling this year’s graduates “ambitious, tenacious and passionate,” Chatman said each has displayed the capabilities of those who live in Richmond County.
Jasmine Denning, a graduate from Westside High School, labeled the day as “special,” because it gave each “resilient and remarkable” student the chance to acknowledge overcoming individual challenges and obstacles.
“We may have taken a different path than expected … but life, as we all know, is full of twists and turns,” Denning said. “In the face of challenges, setbacks and unexpected detours, we did not waver. We faced adversity head on.”
To Denning, success is not defined by a set timeline, but by the journey itself and the lessons learned along the way. Despite inner doubts and possible learning barriers, Denning said each graduate “emerged victorious” in the end.
Fellow graduate Wayne Harrington said he was thrilled to finally be done with his education, and is looking forward to using his diploma to join the U.S. Air Force.
“It feels good. I ain’t going to lie, it’s a new feeling,” he said. “All I can do is smile.”
As graduates accepted their hard-earned diplomas and shook hands with school board members, families and friends cheered and waved celebratory signs from the gymnasium bleachers.
After dancing with Williams in celebration, Venus Cain, school board representative for District 9, said she felt inspired by the determined students of the county – especially Williams.
“It was awesome, because I’m back in school too, so it’s been motivation for me not to throw in the towel,” said Cain, who is currently pursuing culinary arts. “You’re just never too old.”
After turning their tassels, families and friends embraced, photographed and praised their graduates for making it to the end of their high school journey.
A son of Williams, Horace Williams, said he had difficulty containing his joy during the ceremony at seeing his mother accept her diploma.
“I’ve been crying the whole ceremony, and I’m not a crier,” he said. “The joy I felt just made me cry.”
Supporting his mom since March of 2023, Horace Williams said he made sure to bolster his mother every step of the way.
“I was there when she started and I was here when it ended,” he said. “It was very inspirational.”
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
