The Richmond County School System celebrated 73 summer graduates with a commencement ceremony on Thursday evening, July 25, at the George P. Butler High School’s gymnasium.
Recognizing students from eight out of the school system’s 11 high schools, the ceremony featured several non-traditional students, who had previously dropped out or had fallen behind.
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Schools featured in the ceremony included: Academy of Richmond County, George P. Butler High School, Cross Creek High School, Glenn Hills High School, Hephzibah High School, T.W. Josey High School, Lucy C. Laney High School and Westside High School.
Many graduates also completed a specialized program to help them secure jobs following commencement, such as the Reaching Potential Through Manufacturing program.
RPM is a program partnered with the school system and Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. that offers students a pathway to earn their diploma while also earning income and gaining work experience within a manufacturing facility.
Kierstin Johnson, principal of the RPM program, believes the graduates should be recognized for earning their high school diploma because each poured numerous hours into finishing while holding down a job or being a parent at home.
“Students work so long, usually 13 years, to get to this moment, so of course we in the Richmond School System want to make sure it’s a memorable occasion, no matter when a student graduates,” she said. “This means not only the world to them but their families as well.”
As every graduate looked forward to moving on from high school, Johnson said she hopes each continues to remember the important lessons and values instilled in them during their time in the RCSS.
“Because it’s not only about them, but it’s about everyone that they come into contact with … and I always tell my students that the people who are remembered the most are the people who do things for others,” she said. “So always seek to be a person who is reaching out to their community and their family to be a light for everyone.”
Graduate Paris Glanton, from Hephzibah High School, who completed the RPM program, said she was grateful for the county’s summer program, which allowed her to overcome various personal challenges and successfully move onto the next stage of life.
“Today marks the end of an era, a time of growth and exploration, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter,” she said. “A chapter filled with uncertainties, challenges and endless possibilities. As we venture out into the world, let us embrace each challenge with open minds and open hearts.”
Glanton said she is especially thankful for her strong familial support system that constantly encouraged her to complete the program.
Celebrating alongside attending school board members, Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Bradshaw followed Glanton’s speech by sharing his own wish for the graduates to remember that a journey can be just as important as the final destination.
“Every obstacle overcome, every lesson learned and every cherished moment has contributed to your growth,” he said.
Bradshaw emphasized how, in the end, each student should try to savor their triumphs and appreciate their perseverance through hardships.
“I’m excited for what lies ahead,” he said.
Bradshaw ended his speech by reminding students of their fresh start on a brand new journey – wherever that may lead for each – and how he has the “utmost confidence” that each can reach their chosen goals.
Graduates then took turns walking across the gym to receive their diplomas and shook hands with corresponding principals, Bradshaw and board members.
Participating graduate Shei’quandria Lambert , from Glenn Hills High School, said she was thrilled to complete the RPM program because it led to her landing a full-time fleetline job with Textron, which she is excited to begin on Aug. 12.
“It was fun for me for the most part. I really enjoyed working … it prepared me very well,” she said.
Prior to starting the RPM program, Lambert said she never would have explored or considered working for Textron had her sister, who graduated from the program earlier, not shared how great the experience had been.
To Lambert, the RCSS summer commencement ceremony was important because it allowed graduates from all over the county to share in their unconventional successes together.
Fellow graduate Da’Meir Wilson, from the Academy of Richmond County, said he could not have made it through the program without his supportive family and friends, who encouraged him till the very end.
“It was a challenge, but I got through it,” he said. “[My family] was really happy, because it was basically a job just to get through this.”
Wilson said his next step of life would involve technical college in North Carolina starting on Aug. 26.
For fellow non-traditional students, Wilson said he would tell others to try and finish strong because the hard work is worth the results.
After turning their tassels, families and friends loudly cheered, photographed and praised their graduates for making it to the end of their high school journey.
Wilson’s grandmother Anita Green, who shed tears during the ceremony, said she greatly enjoyed the ceremony, and was excited for her son to take the next step in life as he pursues technical school for a career in welding and auto mechanics.
“It is so amazing to see him done. I’m so proud to have seen him walk across the stage,” she said. “I am so overwhelmed and just overjoyed that he is doing all of it.”
