Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The Barnwell High School Class of 2024 wore pins in memory of one of their own.
Shaniah Hankins died in a wreck at age 15 in May 2021 at the end of her freshman year. Principal Franklin McCormack presented a yearbook and plant to Shaniah’s mother, Ann Fulmer, and sister, Aubrey Hankins, in her memory.
After the presentation, McCormack presented the Blatt Award to Anna Kate Richardson. This award is based on scholarship and leadership and is given to someone who excels in academics and extracurricular activities. It is voted on by the faculty.
As the class goes their separate ways, salutatorian Madison Doughtie and valedictorian Andrew Waller gave classmates advice for a successful future.
“We all have the capability to be successful,” said Waller, who proudly cited that he beat both his mom and aunt who were salutatorians of their respective classes.
He imparted five qualities that will help the graduates in their journey to success. This includes being on time, making an effort, having a positive attitude, being prepared, and having a strong work ethic.
“These attributes have been instilled in our heads throughout our journey here at Barnwell School District 45. The teachers and staff have always been there to help guide us and support us through our endeavors. Thank you for pushing us and showing us what we are capable of doing,” said Waller.
Graduation is not the end. Instead, Waller said it’s the beginning as everyone embarks on the next step of their journey, whether it be college, military, or the workforce.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose,” said Waller, quoting Dr. Seuss.
Doughtie also cited Dr. Seuss. “’Why fit in when you were born to stand out?’ Instead of going with the crowd and making choices that will affect your future, follow the path you choose to follow.”
To accomplish this, Doughtie shared three rules she follows.
“Put your faith in God over it all; over the stress of college or work, over the stress of adulthood, over the stress of life; over everything,” she said.
Next, Doughtie told classmates to “find your own identity and place in the world” rather than letting others dictate what they should do in life. “Focus on the goals you set for yourself and find your joy in the Lord rather than the world,” she said.
Her final rule is to “never forget the ones that helped you get where you are today,” Doughtie said of family, teachers, pastors, and other supporters.
“Life will throw many challenges at us. Whether financial burdens, sickness, accidents, or any other event, we need to stay true to our faith, true to ourselves, and remember the advice and skills that we have been taught,” said Doughtie.
In the benediction, third honor graduate Diya Patel prayed for God to give the graduates “strength and determination to navigate the journey ahead with integrity, resilience, and compassion. Help us to embrace each challenge as an opportunity, each setback as a lesson, and each trial as a testament of your faithfulness.”
The BHS Class of 2024 has earned an estimated $2,906,600 in scholarships.
