Jones County High School hosted its annual Senior-Parent Breakfast, welcoming seniors and their families for a morning of celebration, reflection, and important information about upcoming milestones.
Jones County High School Principal Dennis Woolfolk opened the March 20 event by recognizing the families who have supported students throughout their high school journey. He then invited parents to take part in a moment of pride as he addressed the audience.
“If you are a proud parent of a senior, stand up and clap for how proud you are of your student,” he said.
Woolfolk then encouraged students to acknowledge the example their families had just set. He emphasized the importance of mutual appreciation as graduation approaches.
“Students, your parents just set a great example by showing you their emotions and happiness for you. Stand up and show them where you are right now and how proud you are of them,” he said.
Woolfolk concluded his remarks by reflecting on his personal connection to the graduating Class of 2026 and his time at Jones County High School. He spoke about the impact students have had on his life and leadership.
“You all are my last graduating class. I am very proud of you. Not only have you done everything you need to do to be successful, but you have also made me a better person, leader, and father. I will always be here for you. Although I won’t be on campus, I will still be in the district,” he said.
Woolfolk will transition to a new role next school year, serving as the school system’s Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Efficiency.
Superintendent Dr. Jessica Graves also addressed students and families, sharing her appreciation for the moment and the community gathered. She emphasized the significance of the event and her gratitude for being present.
“Students and families, we are so proud to have all of you here this morning. This is what it is all about. It is my honor and privilege to be here and to be able to address you this morning,” she said.
Graves shared her perspective not only as superintendent, but as a parent, reminding families of the years of dedication that lead to graduation day.
“I am a mom of two, a third grader and a fifth grader. This morning, I peeled into Turner Woods Elementary School on two wheels, trying to make it here on time. Graduates, I want you to know that’s what your parents and families have lived for the past 18 years. T-ball practices, band practices, late nights doing homework at the dinner table,” she said.
She invited graduates to acknowledge the role their families have played in their success.
“Graduates, turn to the family member that is with you today and tell them thank you. Families, this would not be possible without you,” she said.
The superintendent also recognized the teachers and leaders who guided students along the way and spoke about the district’s commitment to preparing graduates for life after high school.
“We also want to take a moment to celebrate your teachers and leaders who helped you along the way. This is a culmination. We all work to position you so that, when you graduate, you are deeply equipped to be enrolled in an institution of higher education, employed in a meaningful career, or enlisted in our military. We believe that with this diploma that you will receive, you will be able to pursue endless possibilities,” she said.
Graves closed by celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and reaffirming the district’s ongoing support. She encouraged students to remain connected to their school community.
“So, today is a day to celebrate all that you have accomplished. We are so excited. We will continue to be here for you, Greyhound Nation, as you move forward with your next steps, and we hope you will come back and see us,” she said.
Senior Justin Hall shared what the upcoming graduation means to him and why the breakfast was particularly meaningful.
“I am looking forward to graduating on the football field. I think that will be special since we are staying local and our class is kind of unique because Jones County doesn’t do that every year,” he said.
Hall also reflected on the personal significance of the event.
“The Senior-Parent Breakfast is special because I get to have one last experience on campus with my mom,” he said.
Hall’s mother, Tara Hall, discussed the importance of the event from a parent perspective.
“I’m glad to be able to be here and support Justin. I like the idea that the breakfast is a one-stop shop for things seniors and their families need to take care of if we haven’t already,” she said.
Senior Class President Grace Faircloth described how the breakfast helped make the reality of graduation set in. “I think being at the Senior-Parent Breakfast really just makes everything feel real. During senior year, everything just goes by so fast, and it’s nice to have a moment like this to take it all in,” she said.
Faircloth also shared her excitement about an important graduation milestone. She spoke with anticipation about a moment many seniors look forward to.
“I am very excited to get my cap and gown and see what that looks like,” she said.
Faircloth’s mother, Christy Cranford, said the event was valuable for families preparing for the final weeks of senior year. She appreciated the information shared and the welcoming atmosphere.
“I love the Senior-Parent Breakfast because we learned a lot of details about what is coming up for our seniors. It was super nice that they had donuts and coffee for us, and these little tables where we could get helpful information to help us make sure we have everything we need for our kids’ prom and graduation,” she said.
The Senior-Parent Breakfast was planned and organized by senior English teacher Crystal Burt, who oversees many of the senior-year milestones, including graduation. With support from the Jones County High School English team, Burt coordinated the event in advance to ensure it served as both a celebration and an informational touchpoint for families.
Approximately 800 seniors and family members attended. Local businesses, Rancher’s and Scooter’s, provided donuts and coffee, and the school mascot was available for photos.
Students and families were also able to complete several key tasks during the event, including purchasing prom tickets, paying senior fees, picking up cap and gown items, receiving College and Career Academy cords, and more.
School counselor Kimberly Pittman shared important information about upcoming senior events, including prom, pathway night, the senior baccalaureate service, college and military signings, honors night, the grad walk, and the final day of school. She also reviewed graduation practice and ceremony details. Graduation is scheduled for May 15 on the football field, with contingency plans in place for inclement weather.
