Aiken and Silver Bluff High Schools Celebrate Graduations on May 29
Graduation Ceremonies Celebrate Achievement and Future Aspirations in Aiken County
On May 29th, graduates from Aiken High, Ridge Spring-Monetta High, and Silver Bluff High gathered at the USC Aiken Convocation Center for a momentous occasion—their graduation ceremonies. This annual rite of passage celebrated over 400 seniors who are now poised to embark on their next chapter in life.
At each ceremony, Aiken County School District Superintendent Corey Murphy encouraged the graduates to take a moment to connect with their families in the expansive 3,400-seat venue. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie as graduates waved and gestured toward their cheering family members. Murphy offered words of wisdom, reassuring the young adults not to stress excessively about their futures. “If your parents ask you, ‘What are you doing after graduation?’ just stare at them for a moment and then respond, ‘I was preparing for the unknown, and you just broke my concentration,’” he advised, eliciting laughter from the audience.
Among the graduates from Aiken High were over 220 seniors. Zy’nariah Brown expressed her joy, stating, “It feels amazing to graduate because this is a very important time in our lives.” Brown plans to further her education in business at Coastal Carolina University with aspirations to enter real estate and interior design. Aiken County Board of Education Chairman Cameron Nuessle humorously urged parents to delete reminder apps used for tracking grades, marking a significant milestone for many families.
The poignant experience was underscored by Principal Angela Moore, an alumna of Aiken High, who reflected on the journey these students have taken. “Thirty-three years ago, I sat right where you are today,” she remarked, emphasizing the hard work and determination that defines their accomplishments.
At Ridge Spring-Monetta High, Principal Mathew Shepler highlighted the uniqueness of this year’s graduating class, saying they embodied strength, courage, and commitment to excellence. He noted, “You are a group of thinkers, dreamers, leaders, and innovators.”
Silver Bluff High’s commencement marked a significant milestone for new Principal Jennifer Kolmar, who expressed her pride in being the first principal to oversee the graduation of her inaugural class. She detailed the resilience of the students through extraordinary challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen events.
Moreover, inspiring messages filled the ceremonies as speakers including valedictorian Susan Li and salutatorian Allison Peters spoke about unity, growth, and the importance of cherishing each moment. Li’s heartfelt reflection on shared experiences resonated deeply with her classmates, emphasizing the bonds formed over the years.
As the graduates prepare for their next steps—whether entering higher education or exploring career opportunities—they carry with them not only diplomas but also the knowledge, skills, and memories from their high school years. With nearly million in scholarship offers reported at Silver Bluff High, the financial support bolsters their aspirations and readiness to make meaningful contributions to society. This year’s graduating seniors are well-equipped to face the complexities of the world beyond high school, empowered by the lessons learned, friendships forged, and the unwavering support of their educators and families.
