Barnesville, GA — May 25, 2024.
Featured image photo credit: Donna Flournoy Photography
This morning at 9 o’clock, a standing-room-only crowd gathered at Trojan Field to celebrate the accomplishments of the Lamar County High School Class of 2024. The class included 191 students, the largest in school history. Lamar County High School also boasts a 91% graduation rate, the highest in the history of Lamar County High School.
The ceremonies began with thousands of spectators watching the procession with central office and high school staff members garbed in robes and colorful collegiate hoods. The class of 2024 marched behind them, entering the stadium from the gymnasium of Lamar County Primary School, symbolically ending their journey where it began for most members of the class.
The crowd grew silent as the Lamar County High School AJROTC Color Guard presented the Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Aniya Barron. Performing the Star Spangled Banner were graduates Diana Guzman Calixto and Taylor Walker.
Following the patriotic introduction, Olivia Ogletree welcomed the graduates and guests, reminding the class of all they had endured and experienced. Ogletree encouraged her classmates with the words of her father, the late Reverend Craig Ogletree, “Thank God Almighty, troubles don’t last always,” as she admonished her listeners to be not consumed by life’s toughest moments, closing with the words of Jeremiah 29:11.
Class highlights were presented by Alyssa Guillory, which included students who participated in dual-enrollment college programs, the work-based learning program, and several military enlistments. Many students (31) earned a grade point average of 3.75 or higher, and 90 Lamar County graduates have qualified for the HOPE Scholarship. Guillory also mentioned the various athletic achievements of the 2024 Trojans, including playoff appearances, region championships, and state championships. Clint Williamson is a two-time state champion in wrestling. He was proudly wearing his state championship rings during commencement. Aniya Barron, Armani Flewellun, and Samiya Smith were recognized for their state championship in the 4×100 relay a few weeks ago.
Class Salutatorian, Abigail Tacbianan thanked her family for supporting her and discouraging mediocrity. She also spoke about the collective experience of the class, including the fact that they never got to finish the eighth grade, many end-of-the-year activities being forfeited as a result of the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020. She closed her remarks with this simple, yet dignified statement: “God has been good and faithful to me.”
The Valedictorian was Emily Day. She admitted that she was very introverted and not a public speaker. Day joked that many people were at that time hearing her speak for the first time. Day credited her first teacher, her grandmother, for laying such a solid foundation for her education. She closed by encouraging her classmates to pursue careers and goals that use their various, individual strengths.
Chairman of the Board of Education, Mr. Danny Turner addressed the graduates by telling them to look around at their classmates, and he reminded them that this was the last time they would all be assembled together, a message that transitioned into advising each graduate to participate in future class reunions. He ended with a call for the stadium to “shake down the thunder,” for the class of 2024 one final time.
Lamar County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jute Wilson followed with praise for the community that raised the graduates. Wilson gave instructions to parents to continue to help their children in their transition into adulthood, and he told the graduates to be thankful for their families and alma mater. “Never forget your roots,” he said.
Mr. Jake Harris, Principal, spoke to the graduates sharing words from one of his mentors, “Nothing works unless you do.” He followed this by confirming the graduates sitting before him, and Dr. NaToya Fletcher announced the names of the graduating class.
Closing remarks were given by Valerie Sullivan. She encouraged her classmates to be the best versions of themselves, greet everyone with a warm smile, and help those who are struggling, even if they do not ask.
As the graduates move on into the next chapter of their lives, they carry with them the lessons learned, the strong bonds of friendship, and the support of a community that has nurtured their growth.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
