Strom Thurmond High School’s (STHS) class of 2024 graduated on Friday, May 31. There were 169 seniors who graduated.
The commencement ceremony was held at the STHS football stadium. A total of $8.7 million in scholarships was awarded to the class of 2024, which was double the amount earned in previous years.
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The valedictorian was Drew Sloan, who had a grade point average of 5.508. He will attend Princeton in the fall to major in biology. The salutatorian was Selina Li with a grade point average of 5.408. She will attend the University of South Carolina and will also major in biology.
The following students were honor graduates: Madison Anderson, Joseph Brooks, Javon Chick, Lillian Cockrell, Cody Davenport, Dawson Kulp, Aubrey Langford, Selina Li, Hailey Lyle, Whitt Miller, Luigi Palma Garcia, Zoey Rhoden, Kiersten Skinner, Isaac Westbrook, Erin Williams, Katie Willis, Herman Yonce and LaDelle Yonce.
Alpha Awards were given to the three STHS graduates who had the highest score on the SAT. These were presented by Edgefield County Board of Education chairperson Robin Ball. The awards were given to Elizabeth Holmes, Katie Willis and LaDelle Yonce.
The Strom Thurmond scholarships, established by U.S. senator Strom Thurmond, were given to STHS graduates of distinction. They were awarded to Toboris Simpkins, Aliese Upson and Katie Willis, and they were presented by STHS assistant principal Crystal Hadden.
The following students have chosen to serve in the military after high school: Tyrone Brown, Clifford Jolly, Makhaiya Lovett and Mason Toothman.
Shenique Muldrow, STHS student body president, welcomed guests to the commencement. Graduate Katie Willis provided the open remarks, and Edgefield County School District superintendent Dr. Kevin O’Gorman welcomed distinguished guests.
STHS principal Fran Altringer offered the salute to the class of 2024 and recognized STHS faculty members for their contributions to the success of the graduates. Dr. Alan Gray, Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center director also recognized the STHS faculty members’ contributions to the graduates.
The following students were junior marshals for the ceremony: Ma’Kayla Addy, Mina Allen, Landon Bayorek, Hartley Byrd, Riley Brightharp, Reagan Clark, Daley Hitt, Emily McKie, Sara Beth McKie, Hannah Mims, Addison Stevens and Jenasys Washington.
Tristian Coleman, STHS senior class president, led the turning of the tassels, and graduate LaDelle Yonce gave the closing remarks. The National Anthem and school alma mater were performed by graduate Jessica Johnson.
Steven McKinney, STHS theater director, directed and produced the commencement ceremony. The ceremony was streamed by the members of the Edgefield County School District’s Technology Department. STHS stadium was prepared by the members of the Edgefield County School District’s Facilities and Maintenance Department.
