Union County High School’s largest graduating class proudly walked across the stage on Friday, May 22, marking the end of one journey and the beginning of another.
Due to heavy rainstorms, the event was moved from the usual venue of Mike Colwell Memorial Stadium indoors to the Union County Fine Arts Center, and students, school staff and families made do with a nonetheless successful ceremony.
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Class President Bo Brown welcomed guests and profusely thanked those who made it possible for his classmates to receive their diplomas. This included teachers who went the extra mile and families who made sacrifices to ensure the success of their children. Brown expressed gratitude for those of the class who decided to put their country above themselves and join the military.
Although 235 students received their diplomas Friday night, one was missing. Armando Garcia, a member of the Class of 2026, tragically passed away earlier this year. Staff placed a peace lily before the podium in his honor, and classmates spoke fondly of him in their speeches.
Even High School Principal Josh Davis noted that Garcia’s absence was deeply felt, promising that the departed student “would always be a part of this class and this school.”
Sion Carson, Garcia’s best friend, credited him as “passionate, dedicated, there no matter what, and absolutely hilarious.” Before leading a moment of silence in Garcia’s honor, Carson advised the audience not to allow “petty disagreements” to lead to time wasted rather than spent with loved ones.
Abigail Barrett, Lola Hunter and Avery Hussion reflected over the past 13 years. There were warm, humorous moments, like playground shenanigans and the influx of Elsas on Book Character Day after the class saw Disney’s “Frozen” in theaters when they were still very small.
But the Class of 2026 has also faced adversity. In middle school, the two-week vacation they thought they were going to enjoy turned into the COVID-19 pandemic, changing the way they approached learning altogether.
“Class of 2026, we did it,” was the ultimate message from the trio, though, as they reached the end of reminiscing about the past to look forward to the future. Fittingly, Michael Lindsey performed Jim Croce’s “I Got a Name” in the spirit of moving ever forward and chasing one’s dreams.
Salutatorian Savannah Love followed in Carson’s footsteps by saying that Garcia “was supposed to be here tonight” and reminding everyone present that they weren’t alone and should never hesitate to reach out when struggling. Before addressing her class, she stated a simple but poignant, “I love you, Armando.”
Love’s Salutatory Address focused not on endings but beginnings. She encouraged her fellow graduates to pursue their goals, but if things don’t work out as planned, to never give up. In fact, Love urged the Class of 2026 to embrace that which is new and frightening so long as it expands who they are as people.
“I challenge each and every one of you in this new chapter – do something that scares you, that’s completely out of your comfort zone,” Love said, wishing everyone luck wherever their journeys may take them.
For her part, Valedictorian Samantha Odom started by expressing her pride in her class and their accomplishments. Having attended Union County Schools since kindergarten, she said there was nowhere else she would have rather gone to school, and no other group of people she would have wanted to learn alongside.
Odom, too, took a moment to recognize Garcia, admitting that he meant a lot to her and acknowledging that although the night marked a joyous occasion, it was tempered with the pain of knowing that he couldn’t be there.
“Tonight, I want to remind you that there is so much to look forward to, even if things feel uncertain,” Odom said, offering some gentle encouragement before counseling the Class of 2026 that no matter what their pasts look like or how their future unfolds, they all have a plan and they can all find comfort and guidance in Jesus Christ.
“Graduates, this is a moment you have earned through years of dedication, perseverance and hard work, and it is a privilege to recognize such an outstanding group of students who embody the very best of Union County,” Principal Davis said after handing out diplomas. “Our town may be small, but there’s nothing small about what you achieved.”
Jaslyn Roberts concluded by telling her classmates to savor the present moment and enjoy the night. In doing so, she hoped they would learn to slow down and pay attention to life as it happens, enjoying the little but no less important moments as they come.
And when Superintendent John Hill announced their official status as graduates of Union County High School, the Class of 2026 cheered, and all at once, the stage was littered with caps as many threw them into the air in celebration.
Although the weather meant no fireworks at this year’s graduation, the class video, presented alongside “Tuesday’s Gone” by Lynyrd Skynyrd as the class song, provided an opportunity for celebration and gave the graduates a chance to be congratulated by loved ones.
