– JCHS Principal Dennis Woolfolk
High school graduations are always notable to those involved, but Jones County High School’s 2026 graduation event not only brought the ceremony back home to Greyhound Field but was also the final graduation ceremony for Dennis Woolfolk as JCHS principal and the first for the district’s superintendent Dr. Jessica Graves.
The graduation program appeared to go as planned, including perfect weather and celebratory fireworks at its conclusion.
During Woolfolk’s welcome, he stated he is an honored and blessed alumnus and recognized every school in the district for guiding the graduates during their education journeys.
“We are celebrating what you have accomplished and the beginning of a new chapter. Today is not about having concerns but being ready to move forward,” he said.
The principal shared his guiding principles of peace, purpose, progress and faith and encouraged the graduates to continue being mindful of others.
“Success is the impact you make on those around you,” he said. “We are proud of you. We love you and believe in you.
“You will always be a member of the Greyhound family.”
The next speaker was 2026 Salutatorian Aaron Varnadoe. He began by thanking everyone who helped him get there, especially his family. The speaker talked about plans for his life but cautioned his fellow grads about working too hard to have a perfect life.
“Don’t forget to live your life. The moments you will remember are the ordinary moments and how people made us feel,” he said.
Varnadoe said life is a gift from God, and everyone has a purpose.
“Make time for people and choose kindness when no one else notices. Don’t just chase success; chase a life that matters,” he said.
Valedictorian Ariana Epps began by stating they were finally at the moment thought to be so far away. She said relationships will change after graduation, and that is okay because it is part of growing up.
“We don’t all experience life the same way, and understanding other people helps us to understand ourselves,” she said. “But no matter where we go, we will always be a part of each other’s story.”
Following the remarks by the valedictorian, Graves made her way to the podium. Woolfolk would be the last to want to take anything away from the event for the graduates, but the superintendent took the opportunity to present the principal his hood for earning a specialist degree in Instructional Technology from the University of West Georgia.
“This is especially meaningful because it shows Mr. Woolfolk’s leadership and dedication to continue to seek knowledge,” she said. “Learning does not end with a diploma.”
This was Woolfolk’s third year as JCHS principal. As of July 1, he is officially JCSS assistant superintendent in charge of operations and efficiency.
It is notable that Graves is the first female superintendent for the school system and Woolfolk is the first black JCHS principal and the first JCHS alumnus to serve in the position.
With the specialist hood in place, Woolfolk began calling the names of the graduates, beginning with Epps and Varnadoe. When the final graduate received their diploma from Graves, JCHS 2026 Class President Grace Faircloth stepped forward.
Faircloth said she cannot wait to begin life as an adult, but the idea also terrifies her. The speaker said she has learned that change is one of the most important things in life. Faircloth thanked the all the people who guided her through high school, especially her mother who she said is her best friend.
“Thank you mother. You have been my guidepost for everything,” she said.
The class president concluded by congratulating all 2026 graduates.
“I’m excited to see where the future takes us all.”
The program concluded with the turning of the tassels, singing the Alma Mater, hats thrown in the air and a rousing fireworks display.
