By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald

With three graduation ceremonies planned for the weekend of May 26-28, Mother Nature succeeded in postponing only one. So there.

Commencement at South Effingham High School’s stadium (AKA the Corral) was held on Friday night with only a few sprinkles. Commencement for 35 graduates of Crossroads Academy was moved to the Effingham County High School auditorium while rain poured outside Saturday morning. Effingham County High School graduation was postponed from Saturday evening to Sunday afternoon at Rebel Stadium due to pouring rain.

Sunday afternoon clouds kept the air cool, but the rain held off. Family members and friends packed the bleachers and perimeter of the stadiums, many with balloons, bouquets, and an occasional air horn when their graduate’s name was announced.

“One key ingredient to success is being resilient,” Effingham County School Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford told the graduates. “Be resilient in your relationships and your career. On the road ahead to your goals you will encounter people and circumstances beyond your control. Resilience is a skill to be developed.”

The Class of 2023 should be well versed in resilience. Their freshman year was rudely interrupted by COVID-19 shutdowns and a “new normal.”

Dr. Ford’s speech reinforced much of what this year’s seniors have learned the past four years.

“Have a willingness to persevere. Develop a growth mindset,” Dr. Ford said. “Reach out to mentors; make time for self-care, and stay focused on your goals.

“Resilience is the refusal to give up, overcome personal hardships and remember the lessons learned,” Dr. Ford told the 35 graduates at Crossroads Academy. He added “(Basketball great) Michael Jordan was cut from his middle school basketball team and said he missed 26 potentially game-winning shots (in his professional career).”

Dr. Ford reminded Crossroads graduates of Walt Disney who said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Yusvin Josue Jeronimo Villatoro was awarded the Crossroads Scholarship.

Likewise, speeches from South Effingham and Effingham County students were equally optimistic.

“Guys, there is more for you,” said Chase Hoffman, 2023 senior class president of South Effingham High School. “This is only the beginning of your story.”

“It’s important to not get discouraged, re-evaluate where you’re at and move on to the next big thing,” said Micah Webb, 2023 South Effingham’s salutatorian. “When the road is unclear, keep marching on.”

Nicklaus Owens, SEHS 2023 valedictorian, attended Effingham County schools from pre-kindergarten through high school. He recalled his years in marching band, “creating the synergy of support to create something great.” He charged his classmates to “make our school proud.”

“Embrace the awkwardness of change,” Effingham County High School 2023 Salutatorian Ansleigh Amory said. “Change leads to personal growth. One change can lead to a positive ripple effect.”

Amory added, “Take the road less traveled. We are the next generation of doctors, lawyers, teachers and so much more.”

Carrying on that theme of change and service, ECHS 2023 Valedictorian Levi Thomas told his classmates, “We owe a debt to our local community. Give back. It doesn’t have to be a big amount, but as long as you contribute to make your community a better place, that’s what is important.

“Stay away from negative people. Now is your time to make your mark on the world,” Thomas added.