Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The topic of “change” was brought up multiple times as Williston-Elko High School sent the Class of 2023 on its way.
Commencement ceremonies were held Friday, May 26 on the football field. Family, friends, and educators watched as the 54 graduates accepted their diplomas.
“To the graduating class, I want to commend you on your dedication, your perseverance, and your hard work. You have faced numerous challenges, and yet you have come out on the other side stronger and more resilient. You have shown that you are capable of achieving great things,” said Principal Tony Flowers.
He shared some of the highlights from this year’s class which earned $959,000 in scholarships so far. The WEHS Class of 2023 also has two members selected as S.C. Teaching Fellows, seven receive associate degrees from Denmark Technical College, and 41 earn S.C. Seals of Distinction in the areas of Career, College, Honors, or Specialization.
“As a small-town high school, we have always placed a great emphasis on community, on cultivating relationships, and on making each scholar feel valued. I am proud to say that this sense of community is what makes our school so special. Whether it’s the teachers who go above and beyond to support their scholars, the staff who keep our school running smoothly, or the countless volunteers and parents who give their time and energy to make our events a success, it is this spirit of collaboration that makes our school such a unique and special place,” said Flowers.
Valedictorian Kaitlyn Simmons, salutatorian Gabriel Hosey, and class speaker Cadence Brown each used their speeches to reflect on high school while offering their classmates advice for the future.
“We made it to an end, but we have also made it to our very own new beginning,” said Hosey. “Life is going to hit us with all kinds of responsibilities. We have to get back up and fight to stay alive. I hope and I pray that we all will take risks, fail and try again, make mistakes, persevere, plan ahead, have fun and most of all succeed. And always remember to keep God first.”
Since the summer before 10th grade, Simmons said she’s worked tirelessly to become the best version of herself. Though this led to lost sleep, friends, hair, weight, loved ones, and time, she said that mindset paid off.
“I am blessed to call each and every one of you my classmate and words cannot express how proud I am of all of you. To my classmates who are parents, you are doing a good job. To my classmates who were told they wouldn’t make it here, you are here. To my classmates who felt like giving up, you didn’t let depression win and to my classmates who are the backbone of their families, you are stronger than you think,” said Simmons.
She left her classmates with three key things to remember as they go their separate ways. This includes setting big goals, being satisfied with who they are, and staying faithful to the mission.
“Always love where you come from and to never compare yourself to those around you. Be the change!” Simmons said.
As the Class of 2023 seeks to change the world, Brown said it’s normal to not be perfect.
“Life is going to happen. It’ll knock you flat today when yesterday you were just on the mountaintop. It’ll chip you and wear away at you when you were just polished and varnished. It’ll put people in your path that would rather stand on your neck than ever hold a handout to help you,” said Brown.
Even when things seem impossible, Brown said it’s important to seek God’s guidance.
“Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. You are strong. You are resilient. You are kind. And, you are brilliant. And, if anyone tells you that you’re not, love them with all your heart,” she said.
Regardless of where the graduates are headed, Flowers encouraged them to remember the lessons they learned at WEHS while embracing the opportunities that come their way.
“Remember to stay curious, to keep asking questions, and to never stop learning. The world is changing at a rapid pace, and you will need to be adaptable, flexible, and willing to take on new challenges. I also encourage you to stay true to your values, to be kind to others, and to always strive to make a positive impact on the world around you,” he said.
Most importantly, the Blue Devil Class of 2023 was encouraged to be the change they want to see in others, the community, and themselves.
