Augusta-Richmond County has launched its graduation season, and commencement exercises across the district’s 12 high schools are underway this week at the James Brown Arena.
The commencement for Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School’s Class of 2023 on Thursday morning saw steady cheers from hundreds of family members and friends seeing off the school’s 116 graduation candidates, including 14 with honors.
Honor student KeShaun Sanders exhorted his fellow candidates to remember their potential, what it has already yielded, and what is possible.
“I want to remind you that you are capable of anything,” said Sanders to his class, drawing from examples ranging from dealing with COVID and Zoom meetings from ninth through 11th grade, to working on assignments late at night. “We have the power to make real change in his world and I have no doubt that we will go on to do just that. No matter how many times we complained, or didn’t want to do something for a teacher, we never gave up, pushed through all the hard times, early mornings, late nights and long days. We always have to remember that failure is not the end, but a chance to learn and grow.”
Laney also honored its alumni in class years ending in three and eight, celebrating milestone years, from the Class of 1953 (60 years) to the class of 2003 (20 years).
In her address to her fellow graduates, salutatorian Amari Lampkin drew from memories of her years at Laney, reminiscing on times with her favorite teachers, events, football and basketball games and homecoming.
“It truly takes a village, and I’m thankful for mine,” said Lampkin, expressing gratitude for the support of her family, friends and teachers.
Lampkin summed up her exhortation with a quote from author John C. Maxwell: “Dreams don’t work unless you do.”
“This quote means a lot to me because you must work hard for what you want; nothing will be handed to you,” she said, encouraging the graduates to keep faith in God and to persevere toward their life goals. “Remember you have a purpose in life and your purpose will come to you. Everything will happen on God’s timing. I’m very proud of everyone. I can’t wait to see all of us succeed in our next chapter in life.”
Before the awarding of the diplomas, the tassel ceremony, and before vocalist Jovanda Jones performed the selection “Wind Beneath My Wings,” valedictorian Tiyana Lawrence also urged her classmates to consider the times through which they have persisted.
“This morning is not only about graduation, but the obstacles, recognition and all the accomplishments from the past, and keeping the ball rolling down the road of life,” she said.
Lawrence noted that although she has always strived to maintain good grades, she hadn’t set out to be valedictorian, and that “class rankings do not determine how smart you are, define you as a person or the prospect to completing the goals you have set for your life,” encouraging her fellow graduates to keep their best foot forward.
“What a journey it has been,” said Lawrence. “We may be leaving in the halls of Lucy Craft Laney High School, but we will forever be Wildcats.”
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
