Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The Blackville-Hilda High School (BHHS) graduating Class of 2023 is set for success after receiving diplomas and turning tassels on the evening of Friday, May 26.
Graduating students were cheered on by friends and family filling the bleachers as they crossed the center stage at the gymnasium.
The Class of 2023 started high school amidst a global pandemic which stripped away their ability to make in-person, in-school memories. Nevertheless, they persisted in their studies with the determination to one day wear a cap and gown.
“Graduating high school is no small accomplishment, especially considering we started our 9th grade year in a global pandemic,” said Valedictorian Terrina DaLesha Arjun. “I can say with confidence that your success is well deserved, and I wish you guys the best luck in life with whatever you would like to do after high school.”
Arjun expressed her gratitude for the teachers and faculty who kept students on track during tumultuous times and thanked her classmates for still creating memories regardless of distance. She also thanked her family for their constant support.
“I want to say thank y’all for loving me how y’all do. Not only do I do everything for myself, I do it for y’all too,” said Arjun. “Everyday y’all remind me that I can do whatever I put my mind to and if it doesn’t work today, then I need to get back up and try again tomorrow.”
Arjun is headed to the University of S.C. Upstate to study nursing. Due to her hard work, Arjun was awarded scholarships from Chem-Nuclear, the Denmark Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. May Week Scholarship, and the Phyllis Sean Memorial Scholarship.
Tia Wright-Richards, vice president for academic affairs at Denmark Technical College, was the event’s speaker. Richards shared words of wisdom with students to carry with them through further academic studies or joining the workforce.
Salutatorian Jakori Mason Williams started his speech off with sincerity and laughter: “Who would think that the little boy who got expelled out of pre-K and suspended almost every other week would be up here reading the salutatorian speech. Trust me, I know I wouldn’t. I would think that he would be somewhere probably at the bottom or nowhere at all. But look at God, I made it.”
Williams thanked his family members for their continued support and a few special educators and administrators throughout his academic career such as Macedonia Elementary-Middle School Principal Eryl Smalls.
“I would like to take a moment to thank him for his support, encouragement, and seeing the gift in me when no one else did,” said Williams.
In the fall, Williams will be studying pharmaceutical science at the University of S.C. Columbia. Williams’ dedication and perseverance was recognized with scholarships from the Big 7 Association, Meeting Street, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Thirty-seven graduates said goodbye to their school for the last time as students. With tears, hugs, and laughter, they walked out of the doors of BHHS off to their futures.
