On Thursday evening, Jan. 19, Richmond County celebrated the graduation of over 50 students with a ceremony at Butler High School.
Although some students were non-traditional graduates who had previously dropped out or had fallen behind, several had completed specialized programs 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 work experience within a manufacturing facility.
Trinity Gray, a graduate from Cross Creek High School who completed the RPM program, is planning on pursuing a full-time job with Textron, or continuing her education by earning a cosmetology license.
“It feels good [to graduate],” she said. “I think graduation is important to let students know that we did it and succeeded.”
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Gray said she believed an official ceremony was important because it allowed families to celebrate their loved one’s graduation, while showing students how their accomplishment is acknowledged.
“Your achievement lets us know that you’re ambitious, tenacious and passionate,” said Principal of Butler High School Bernard Chatman during the event.
The graduation featured several principals and staff across the county’s eight participating high schools, and highlighted a handful of graduates. After Executive Administrative Assistant Jovonda P. Jones sang the famous Des’ree song “You Gotta Be,” with audience members singing along in the bleachers, keynote speaker and Lucy C. Laney High School graduate O’Lizic Jones read a well-known Robert Frost poem.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference,” said Jones as he ended his reading. “Some of us have had to go down different roads to get to the destination … but applaud yourself – we did not give up.”
Jones, who hopes to seek an animation degree, said he was excited and nervous to move on to the next chapter of his life.
“I put a lot of work into finishing,” he said. “[Graduation] is important to show who achieved their goal and that we can achieve greatness … we have the power to change the world.”
During the ceremony, Richmond County Board of Education President Charlie Walker Jr. said he believes all graduation ceremonies are equally important and deserve recognition.
“The work it took for them to get here at this point tonight and, if this is when they graduated, is great for them,” he said. “This is the pinnacle. It’s nice.”
Alongside attending school board members, Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Bradshaw said he wanted graduates to remember that the journey was just as important as the destination. He emphasized how students should always savor their triumphs and appreciate their perseverance through hardships.
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“To all of our students who are sitting here today, congratulations you have made it,” he said. “I am proud of you. You define your success; you determine your success. The path of success is different for each and every one of us … value the lessons you have learned.”
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.
Graduate Janiya T. McKinnie of T.W. Josey High School said it took a lot of dedication to earn her diploma, but the result was well worth the crueling academic work. According to her, programs like RPM made an enormous difference.
“I dropped out, and I went back in because I wanted to get my diploma,” she said. “RPM teaches you a lot, like discipline … it’s just a great opportunity. I learned how to be confident in myself and that I can do anything. I beat the odds and now I’m graduating.”
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.
Mother Tosha McKinnie said she greatly enjoyed the ceremony, and was excited for her daughter to take the next step in life by pursuing a college degree in criminal justice.
“Stay positive, stay strong and don’t give up on your dreams. Surround yourself with who you want to be,” said Jones. “Class of 2023, we made it.”
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
