Under beautiful overcast skies Saturday morning, with rain holding off just long enough for the occasion, Lamar County High School celebrated the Class of 2026 during commencement at Trojan Field.
A total of 190 seniors crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. Of those graduates, 24 were recognized as Distinguished Honor Graduates, while 30 earned Honors distinction.
The ceremony opened with the presentation of colors by the Lamar County High School AJROTC, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Caden Crawford. Members of the LCHS Chorus then delivered a beautiful performance of the national anthem.
Senior Madisyn Hardaway welcomed family, friends, faculty, and graduates, describing commencement as a moment of “celebrating something bold and new” as members of the Class of 2026 prepare to step into their futures with what she called “True Trojan Spirit.”
Class highlights were presented by Jamyiah Woolridge, who reflected on the accomplishments of the graduating class.
Among those milestones, 92 graduates have attended Lamar County schools since kindergarten. Another 92 students participated in dual enrollment college coursework, while 52 completed work-based learning. Fifty-four graduates earned grade point averages of 3.5 or higher, including 24 students who achieved GPAs of 3.75 or above.
Additionally, 85 graduates earned eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship, 12 members of the class enlisted in military service, and the class contributed to multiple region championships and playoff runs across Lamar County athletics.
Salutatorian Matthew Blevins reminded his classmates that school was about more than academics.
“It wasn’t just about what we learned in the classroom,” he reflected, emphasizing the friendships and relationships built along the way.
Blevins also gave thanks to God for “His life and love, and the gift of His Son,” before sharing his plans to attend Georgia Institute of Technology.
Valedictorian Hayden Cherry kept his remarks characteristically brief, telling the audience he had struggled to decide what to speak about and had asked several people for advice.
Ultimately, Cherry said that uncertainty itself was the point of his speech.
He closed by quoting Cody Johnson’s song “’Til You Can’t,” encouraging his classmates to seize opportunities when they come.
Superintendent Dr. Jessica Watson encouraged graduates to embrace what lies ahead.
“Think of it as not the end, but the beginning,” Watson said.
Afterwards, Lamar County Board of Education Chairman Danny Turner echoed the sentiment, noting that the Trojan spirit celebrated throughout the morning remains strong.
Principal Jeff Sloan then officially confirmed the graduates before diplomas were awarded and tassels were moved, signifying the Class of 2026’s transition from students to alumni.
Following the ceremony, Reagan Fulton offered closing remarks, bringing to an end a memorable morning.
As the Class of 2026 left Trojan Field, a large crowd cheered as they walked out of the stadium, now Lamar County alumni, into the next chapter of their journeys.
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.
