Photojournalism: Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle-High School graduation

Aiken County celebrates 62 graduates from . Staff photo by Liz Wright.

Date: June 01, 2024

Aiken County’s Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle-High School held a commencement ceremony at the University of South Carolina Aiken’s Convocation Center on Wednesday evening, May 29, to congratulate this year’s graduates.

Students file in for the 2023-24 Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle-High School commencement ceremony to celebrate graduation. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Seniors happily stroll into USC Aiken’s Convocation Center as they prepare for the graduation ceremony to begin. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Hailey Rodgers sings the Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle-High School alma mater – “on the ridge of Carolina, lies the school we love.” Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Matthew Shepler, principal of Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle-High School, tells graduates to be proud of their accomplishments thus far and the more they will earn in the next phase of life. “You have left a lasting mark on your school,” he said. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Aiken County School Board member Deborah Tyler tells seniors they are brave, strong and smarter than they think. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Students listen to several ceremony speakers as commencement continues. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Class of 2024’s salutatorian, Ward Burger, speaks of his challenge in overcoming his autism to get succeed in high school, and thanks family members for supporting him. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Ward Burger’s family cheer as the ceremony’s salutatorian concludes his speech. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Valedictorian Alyssa Derrick tells her fellow graduates to not let fear hold any of them back as they seek out new adventures. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Graduates listen intently to the class valedictorian as they prepare to soon receive their diplomas. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Aiken County’s Superintendent King Laurence reads an encouraging book to seniors about taking chances and living life to the fullest. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Students smile as they receive their diplomas from Superintendent King Laurence. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Staff photo by Liz Wright.
After receiving their diplomas, students stand as audience members clap for the graduating class of 2024. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Graduates throw their caps in celebration, concluding the evening’s ceremony. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Students smile and dance after receiving their diplomas from Superintendent King Laurence. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Students smile and dance after receiving their diplomas from Superintendent King Laurence. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Graduates happily wave to family members as they exit USC Aiken’s Convocation Center following the conclusion of the commencement ceremony. Staff photo by Liz Wright.

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The Author

Liz Wright started with The Augusta Press in May of 2022, and loves to cover a variety of community topics. She strives to always report in a truthful and fair manner, which will lead to making her community a better place. In June 2023, Liz became the youngest recipient and first college student to have been awarded the Georgia Press Association's Emerging Journalist of the Year. With a desire to spread more positive news, she especially loves to write about good things happening in Augusta. In her spare time, she can be found reading novels or walking her rambunctious Pitbull.

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