With the usual excitement, trepidation, traditional occasional outbursts from family members, and, of course, Pomp and Circumstance, Jones County High School recognized its senior class with the 2024 graduation ceremony May 21.
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Principal Dennis Woolfolk welcomed everyone to the packed Centennial Center at Georgia College. He pointed out that there were 330 graduates, with 188 continuing their studies in higher education, 42 going directly into the workforce, and 18 entering military service.
Woolfolk, a 1985 graduate of JCHS, reminded the seniors they were completing one journey and beginning another.
“It is both an ending and a beginning,” he told the group. “An end to your high school years, which were filled with hard work, personal growth, and moments both challenging and rewarding. It is also the beginning of a new journey into the future.
“A future that each of you will shape through your actions, attitudes and relationships and decisions,” he continued. “As you stand strong and begin these new adventures, remember that the education you received here surrounded by the love, support and inspiration of our Jones County community is a foundation that will support you throughout your life, no matter where your journey takes you.”
Woolfolk challenged the departing seniors to face the future head-on and remember their roots.
“As you move forward, I encourage you to embrace the world with courage, curiosity and caution,” he declared. “Continue to live by the values that have been instilled in you both at home and here at Jones County High, which are integrity, compassion, and resilience.”
Class Salutatorian Christy Chambers was the first of three students to offer her views on the occasion.
“Even though it’s been four long years, it seems like only yesterday that we were all in the ninth grade, running around half-clueless. But now,” she reminded her classmates, “we are at the end of this chapter in our lives and ready for the next step forward.”
Chambers talked about the benefits of the high school experience.
“Even though you may not realize it,” she told her classmates, “high school was such a beautiful time in our lives. It was a journey of growth, connections, self-discovery, and above all, it was a time of memorable experiences with friends, teachers and classmates. It will have an impact on us and shape who we are and who we will become.”
Chambers encouraged her colleagues to embrace the uncertainty of the future in a world filled with endless possibilities and challenges.
“Life is nothing but a roller coaster of emotions, but it is the ups and downs and the loopty loops that make it a ride worth taking,” she said.
“May our futures be brighter than our dreams.”
Class Valedictorian and STAR Student Evan McGalliard stressed in his remarks the importance of conquering the threat of fear. He told the audience that he had sat in his room an hour and a half earlier with dry heaves in anticipation of his remarks, pointing out his perception of fear is different than that of others.
“Most people you talk to will disregard fear as a simple human emotion we all face and plainly tell you to be more confident,” he said. “I disagree. The one connection between everything I’ve done that I feared is not that I wasn’t able to do it, or I wasn’t smart enough. It’s that it pushed me to my limits. I’ve learned we don’t fear the mundane. We fear the great.
“Using this, I’ve been able to flip my mental attitude toward things that scared me,” McGilliard continued. “They’re not childish fears or stage fright. They’re fears of pushing my potential.”
The valedictorian shared his view of the concept of failure.
“Society often portrays failure as something to be avoided at all costs,” he observed. “However, I’ve come to realize that failure is not the opposite of success, but rather a stepping stone towards it. Every setback, every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. Instead of letting fear of failure hold us back, we should embrace it as a natural part of the journey toward success.
“If you gain one thing from this speech,” he concluded, “embrace the things that scare you.”
Following the presentation of diplomas to the graduates, Senior Class President Isiah Denis gave closing remarks. He first briefly mentioned the challenges the class and faculty members had faced through COVID-19 and the path of the students from years past to that day. He then offered his idea of the approach to life the class of 2024 should take as the move forward.
“One piece of advice I have for you is follow your calling, recognizing that each of you possesses a unique purpose,” he shared. “I’ve always heard the saying ‘God knows your heart and ultimately the plans He has for you’, and I believe that to be true. Stay true to your ambitions and understandings that genuine fulfillment lies in staying true to you are. Trust in the greater plan for your life.”
Denis concluded by encouraging his fellow classmates to make a difference.
“Lastly, be a hero,” he challenged. “In times of need, be a beacon of light for others. Someone around you may need you, and small acts of kindness can make a profound impact on someone’s day. Go that extra mile to help.”
