By CINDY CROSBY
Colleton Preparatory Academy held Commencement for the Class of 2021 ON Thursday, May 27, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Colleton Preparatory Gymnasium, during which 21 candidates were presented diplomas, including 13 Honor Graduates.
Nine members of the Class of 2021 were recognized as 12-Year Graduates, including Kenleigh Crosby, Rianna Bailey, Weslin Jones, Jacob Breland, Allyson Crook, Ella Nolte, Mark Peters, Jr., Parker Tuten and Rachel Wright.
Following a Processional of the Board of Directors, faculty and staff, the graduating seniors entered to the traditional Pomp and Circumstance.
Head of School Jill Burttram welcomed the guests and was followed by the Invocation given by Dr. Chase McRae, Ashton Baptist Church.
Rianna Khrystyne Bailey, Salutatorian, addressed the guests saying, “Good evening parents, friends, teachers, staff, and most importantly the class of 2021. Tonight, we will celebrate the end of not only high school, but also closing a chapter of our book of life. These seven buildings have been our home for the last 13 years, but it is time to move on to our next adventure. During our online school, casually changing teachers, and any other curve we have been thrown, we have overcome and made ourselves stronger, and I couldn’t be prouder of the 21 of us. ”
Bailey went on to say, “ Here is a little bit of advice that I have realized over the last four years of high school – high school isn’t necessary the end of our lives, but this is actually the start. Some of us will separate and go to school, some to work, some to the military and some to still figure out how they will spend their lives. There is no doubt in my mind that our paths will cross with each other through our lives wherever we shall go. This is just the beginning of an incredible opportunity called life. Everyone in this class has the opportunity to be successful, and I think this school has helped us grow and show our strengths to the world.”
Co-Salutatorian, Weslin Gene Jones, opened her address saying, “I am so honored to be able to speak as the Co-Salutatorian which hasn’t happened here since 2014, but here we are. Before I begin, I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches, and teachers. To my teachers, thank you for sticking with me for all these years. You have taught me everything I have needed to know not only through education but in life as well. Trust me there are so many others I could thank but we would be here all night.”
Jones closed her speech saying, “I am going to wrap this up by saying this, Class of 2021, never give up on your goals because once it is accomplished it is the best feeling. Life is certainly going to throw us each our fair share of challenges but keep going because there are always new goals that need to be accomplished.”
Valedictorian, Kenleigh Morgan Crosby, opened her commencement address saying, “Good evening Board of Directors, Mrs. Burttram, faculty and staff of Colleton Prep, family members, friends, and of course, the class of 2021. About 6 years ago, after watching a CPA graduation ceremony, I set a goal for myself that I wanted to be a future Valedictorian. As I have worked toward that goal over the past years, I somehow forgot about how many people I would have to stand in front of if I accomplished this. As I sat reflecting on what to say tonight, it became clear to me, this should not be hard, as tonight is a celebration of the journey of this class, really this 2021 family, and the time we have spent together. After coming to this realization, I can say it is truly an honor to stand behind this podium today and honor every member of the class of 2021.”
Crosby went on to say, “As we celebrate together tonight, I would like to take a moment to remember some special people who are not with us today – Mrs. Mrs. Tammy Peters and Mrs. Mary Howell Fletcher. I did not know either of them on a very personal level, but Pete and Scott, I am sure they are both looking down on you today smiling from ear to ear. You both are wonderful people and I know you are going to do great things in the future to make them proud. I would also like to take a moment and recognize Scott Fletcher and Ryan McMillian, these two classmates spent last summer in boot camp working hard instead of having a relaxing summer. Both are going into the Armed Forces to serve our country and we sincerely thank you.”
She closed her speech with, “So my friends, I want to leave you with one final quote. The Lord says in Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ This next chapter in our lives will not always be easy. When it is not, and life gets tough, let’s remember this verse. It is not a promise that God may immediately rescue us from hardship or struggling, but that he has a future planned for us regardless of the situation and he can work with us to let us prosper and give us hope. Class of 2021, our future is bright, and it is near. Let us be bold in our beliefs, strong in our values, and not be afraid to conquer our dreams.”
The Presentation of Diplomas was given by Heath Griffith, Chairman of the Board of Directors and was followed by the singing of the Colleton Preparatory Academy Alma Mater. The Benediction was given by Dr. Chase McRae before the Class of 2021 Recessional to Trumpet Tune by Purcell.
During the ceremony, Jacob Breland was awarded the Headmaster’s Award for Excellence. The Debbie Powers Award was bestowed upon Weslin Jones, and the newly established Joe Carroll Award was presented to Kyle Hooker.
Marshals included Haley Bootle, Wes Brown, Emily Wilson, Walker Nettles, Jackson Sims, Matthew Williams, Jeb Bootle, Hannah Strickland, and Olivia Sumner.
