The stands were packed as all 231 of the 2014 Washington High School graduates lined the track of Wagner Field, ready to receive their diplomas. Screams and cheers from the bleachers echoed throughout the stadium along with camera flashes, attempting to capture that perfect moment when graduates filed onto the field.

Once the school’s JROTC presented the colors and graduate, Melissa Henley gave the ceremony invocation, the graduates were awarded diplomas by WHS Principal Russell Holloman and the school’s three assistant principals, with Assistant Principal Wendy Dixon as moderator.

Cheers could be heard from the stands, and from classmates, as each graduate was called out. A number of graduates received extra attention from classmates, whether they were an important figure in school sports, a popular student or some kind of leader in the class. As the names were called, some students, receiving applause and laughter, strutted up to the stage to receive their diploma while others stopped and pointed to the crowds of students, friends and family members.

Beaufort County Schools Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps then congratulated the class of 2014 for their achievements, particularly graduating.

“It is my sincere prayer that your dream is realized and it becomes true,” Phipps said to the class.

Graduate Emanuel Williams gave a riveting speech for the turning of the tassels, as speech made with emotion much like that of a revival minister. Williams spoke to his class about their arduous journey to that moment and how, against the odds, they had finally made it.

“We made it even when it seemed impossible,” Williams said.

The farewell speech, given by Valedictorian Sarah Jennings, pointed out the fact that the graduates were shedding the name of high school students and beginning a new chapter in their lives.

“Starting now, we get to write our own rules,” Jennings said. “Our potential becomes reality. As we chart our paths to the future, tonight is not the finish line, it’s the starting line.”