Thousands in the Kelly Memorial Stadium stands Friday night witnessed the Screven County High School Class of 2009 take the next step toward “The Real World.”
“We can never say ‘I forgot my homework. Can I bring it tomorrow?’ said Ty-ria Jenkins, one of the 35 SCHS honor graduates. “No college will accept that.”
“We’ve all grown up – physically, mentally and spiritually,” STAR Student Jim Freeman told the crowd. “We now will have to make choices on our own.
“We should look at these challenges as blessings,” Freeman said. “Send us off with hopes and prayers that we have been equipped to handle the ‘real world.’”
Salutatorian Eric Boddiford said high school graduation is the end of one era and beginning of a new one.
Boddiford said the graduates should set higher goals and use their different gifts and talents to acheive them.
“Each of our journeys will be different,” said valedictorian Jase Doyle. “Seize the opportunity when it arises.”
Doyle said the senior class need not dwell on the past, but look toward the future.
“Let’s begin our journey today,” Doyle said.
Honor graduate Worth Zeagler, on behalf of the seniors, presented SCHS assistant principal Brian Scott with a fund for a trophy case for academic and athletic honors.
The Class of 2009 are leaving the school system through graduation, but others instead are retiring like second grade educator Candy Sheppard.
“I’ve enjoyed it,” Sheppard said. “Do what you love and love what you do.
“So many things have changed since I started teaching,” Sheppard said. “This has been a big part of my life.
“My best wishes are with this school system. It is a great school system,” she said. 
Others retiring from the elementary school are assistant principal Connie Beasley, nurse paraprofessional Nancy Hunter, clerk Betty Nelson, clerk/in-school suspension Gwendolyn Young, and teachers Donna Griffin, Angela Lee, Mary Frances Mock and Candy Sheppard.
Retiring at the middle school are media specialist Crickett Attaway and teachers Anita Lank, Pat Mealor and Glenn Thompson.
At the high school, assistant principal Sam Thompson and teachers Michal Godbee and Ann Waters are retiring.