To the strains of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” usually reserved for those much younger, the first class of the Liberty County School System’s Parent University received its diplomas Monday evening.

Honored with diplomas for completing the class were June Bennett, Annie Berry, Ashley Danzy, Brianna Dykes, Pamela Greene, David Hayes, Carmen Hood, Jacqueline Nobles, Shade Price, Evelyn Rich, DeNorris Sample, Natasha Thomas and Doletho Welch. Thomas was named the class valedictorian and Sample was the salutatorian.

Michelle Brady, Sarah Burgess, Shanda Jackson, and Capote Quarterman also completed the sessions but were not on hand for Monday’s ceremony.

“Today, we celebrate not just an accomplishment, but a following of our commitment as a parent to learn, to grow and to lead by an example,” Sample said. “It means more than a certificate — it is determining to be the best guide we can be.”

Sample said parenting is “already one of the toughest chores,” but the class members chose to enroll to “go a step further.”

“Our participation in Parent University sets a standard,” he said. “Our hard work is shaping our children’s future in ways more powerful than words can express.”

While participants needed to earn nine credits, Sample earned 17, driving to Savannah for more classes, and Thomas earned 27.

Liberty County Schools Superintendent Debra Frazier pointed out their “unwavering dedication to your scholar’s future.” The Parent University parents “engaged in meaningful sessions, focused on supporting academic success, and strengthened family connections, navigating the educational journey with confidence and purpose.”

During the commencement, held at Bradwell Institute, Parent University executive vice president Michael O’Neal reminded the graduates they were the most important people there.

“You are the CEOs of your homes,” he said. “And if the CEO doesn’t get the information, they need the home fails.”

Dr. Anthony Johnson, the principal at Snelson-Golden Middle School, told the graduating parents that their graduation is not an end but is rather a beginning.

“Expose parents to the energy we have,” he said. “Each one, reach one. Each one, teach one.”

Dr. Johnson added the n in end stands for never stop learning.

“Parents are the first and a child’s most influential teachers,” he said.

He said the d in end stands for do the work.

“Strength, leadership, authority and patience are God’s gifts to us as parents,” Dr. Johnson said. “Do the work, because this is not the end. You did not come this far just to come this far. To achieve your goals, you must apply consistency and discipline every day. It is an every day thing. Hard work works.

“So graduates, keep growing, keep rolling and remember, this is not the end.”