LUDOWICI - A shower earlier and the threat of more rain didn't stop the 115 Long County High School seniors from marching across Veterans Stadium on Friday night for commencement exercises.
Parents, grandparents and other well-wishers filled the bleachers and stood along the fence for the 8 p.m. ceremony.
Class President Stephanie Middleton welcomed the crowd and told them, "Long County High School has been our home away from home for the last four years of our lives."
She challenged her classmates, "Above all else, believe in yourself, because as graduates, it is our time to leave our mark on the world."
Logan Crutchfield gave the salutatory address.
"Our diploma means so much more to us than just the 22 units of credit, which we earned."
He added, "We have been the most influential class in the history of Long County High School, as we have exceeded expectations more than anyone ever imagined; in athletics, in academics, and in every other facet of our lives."
After Crutchfield, Valedictorian Heather Sullivan urged her classmates to "cherish the memories you have from high school. I can't tell you what will happen tomorrow, because I have no idea. But I do urge you to take risks and always strive to do something bigger and better with your life."
System Superintendent Dr. Edwin Pope spoke to the graduating seniors.
"You have identified yourself over the last 18 years of your life, as each of you are different and intriguing people. You have set records not only in academics and athletics, but also in being good citizens."
Pope produced a briefcase he received from his father when he graduated from high school years ago and placed different items inside it, informing the students of the importance of certain values.
He put books in the case to represent home values and school values; he slipped a Bible inside and a blank sheet of paper.
The paper stood for the responsibility students now have to shape their own futures, and the Bible represented the importance of keeping faith.
After Pope's comments, LCHS Principal Dr. Delores Mallard and Assistant Principal David Edwards assisted Pope in presenting the students with their diplomas. The high school chorus sang the Blue Tide Alma Mater, and then class vice president Danielle Bailey gave farewell remarks.
She spoke of several teachers and thanks them for their influence on the class.
"We will always remember Mr. Toledo setting us up for success."
She closed by saying, "None of us will ever forget how great it has been to be a member of the Class of 2008."
After the ceremony, tears and laughter echoed from the stands as friends and family members hugged, laughed and cried with the new high school graduates.
Parents, grandparents and other well-wishers filled the bleachers and stood along the fence for the 8 p.m. ceremony.
Class President Stephanie Middleton welcomed the crowd and told them, "Long County High School has been our home away from home for the last four years of our lives."
She challenged her classmates, "Above all else, believe in yourself, because as graduates, it is our time to leave our mark on the world."
Logan Crutchfield gave the salutatory address.
"Our diploma means so much more to us than just the 22 units of credit, which we earned."
He added, "We have been the most influential class in the history of Long County High School, as we have exceeded expectations more than anyone ever imagined; in athletics, in academics, and in every other facet of our lives."
After Crutchfield, Valedictorian Heather Sullivan urged her classmates to "cherish the memories you have from high school. I can't tell you what will happen tomorrow, because I have no idea. But I do urge you to take risks and always strive to do something bigger and better with your life."
System Superintendent Dr. Edwin Pope spoke to the graduating seniors.
"You have identified yourself over the last 18 years of your life, as each of you are different and intriguing people. You have set records not only in academics and athletics, but also in being good citizens."
Pope produced a briefcase he received from his father when he graduated from high school years ago and placed different items inside it, informing the students of the importance of certain values.
He put books in the case to represent home values and school values; he slipped a Bible inside and a blank sheet of paper.
The paper stood for the responsibility students now have to shape their own futures, and the Bible represented the importance of keeping faith.
After Pope's comments, LCHS Principal Dr. Delores Mallard and Assistant Principal David Edwards assisted Pope in presenting the students with their diplomas. The high school chorus sang the Blue Tide Alma Mater, and then class vice president Danielle Bailey gave farewell remarks.
She spoke of several teachers and thanks them for their influence on the class.
"We will always remember Mr. Toledo setting us up for success."
She closed by saying, "None of us will ever forget how great it has been to be a member of the Class of 2008."
After the ceremony, tears and laughter echoed from the stands as friends and family members hugged, laughed and cried with the new high school graduates.