Jones County Class of 2025 graduates joined the ranks of proud Greyhound alumni last week.
The graduation ceremony was held May 20 at the Centennial Center in Milledgeville with 331 seniors celebrated by faculty, family and friends.
JCHS Principal Dennis Woolfolk greeted the audience and was the first to speak. He recognized all the schools in Jones County that helped with the education of the graduates.
The principal noted the 30-plus years of two JCHS teachers who were retiring, Dr. Tiffany Walker and Terri Underitte.
Woolfolk said he witnessed the seniors taking the traditional graduation walk at the school and saw them say thank you and farewell to their former school families.
“I am glad for the village of support we have in Jones County, and I want to thank everyone who is a part of it,” he said.
The principal stated 165 graduates will be pursuing higher education, 46 students will be entering the workforce and 16 will be serving in the military. He asked those who will be going into the service of their country to stand, and they received a round of applause.
Woolfolk said he graduated from JCHS 40 years ago, and he remains a proud Greyhound.
“Have faith in your potential and success and be proud of who you are,” he said.
The principal also told them to be mindful of how their actions, attitudes, relationships and the decisions that will shape their future.
“The foundation you have will serve you well, wherever you go. Never forget you have the power to change your life and the lives of others,” he said.
Woolfolk concluded by stating that graduation is a superpower to be used always, and kindness is not a choice.
“Just do it,” he said. “Listen more, talk less, and remember you can do all things; your faith is not overrated.”
The principal introduced 2025 Salutatorian Nicholas Woodson and Valedictorian Maya Austin. Both of their speeches reflected on their last four years and their appreciation of their teachers.
Austin said she was proud to have achieved her goal of Valedictorian but reminded her classmates not to be too caught up with goals to live in the moment.
Woolfolk read the names of the graduates as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.
The final speech was from JCHS 2025 Class President Ciara Hamilton. Her message to her fellow graduates was to remember, power does not come from physical strength.
“It comes from how you keep pushing,” she said.
2025 Vice Class President Faith Hudson led graduates in the turning of their tassels and the event concluded with the “Alma Mater,” followed by confetti falling from the ceiling and hats being tossed in the air.
