Laurens District 55 High School Celebrates 2024-2025 Winter Graduates
December 22, 2024
Twenty-nine Laurens District 55 High School (LDHS) seniors earned credits to graduate this winter. The 2024-2025 LDHS Winter Graduation was held yesterday, December 19, 2024, at the LDHS Lecture Theatre at 6:00 PM.
The ceremony opened with a welcome message from LDHS Senior Class President Bennett Edwards, followed by Edwards leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, the LDHS Concert Choir led the national anthem and LDHS Alma Mater. Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) Superintendent Dr. Jody Penland gave his remarks followed by the Certification of Graduates by LDHS Principal Lewis Compton. Dr. Penland then presented the graduates’ diplomas alongside LCSD 55 Board of Trustees Chair Mrs. Cathy Little. LDHS Student Body President Walt Addy gave his Charge to Graduates to conclude the event.
More than half of the graduates intend to join the workforce and almost forty percent plan to attend higher education. Katrina Helton is among those who intend to pursue a college education. Katrina is a recipient of the South Carolina Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and will attend Clemson University to pursue a business degree.
Katrina said, “I’ve always been interested in finding my way into the world, and having a business degree will allow me to create the business I want. I am so excited to go to Clemson in January and be with my sister who is already there. I can’t wait to meet new people and have new experiences.”
Katrina’s mother, Maria Helton, shared her daughter’s excitement. Maria said, “I am super proud of my daughter. She decided just this past year to graduate early and was able to accomplish the goal she set for herself. She is so ready to go to college. She is smart and independent and always goes for her goals.”
Katrina’s family moved from North Carolina in 2017. Katrina’s parents, Maria and Tim, are thankful to all the teachers who have been part of their daughter’s education. They give a special shout-out to Audrey Bell, Katrina’s Cheerleading Coach at Hickory Tavern School. Katrina also thanks her LDHS Student Council Adviser Brooke Yarbrough and Thomas Smith, her math teacher and Track Team Coach. Bell, Yarbrough, and Smith encouraged Katrina to become her best and instilled in her many leadership skills.
Other unsung heroes at LDHS High School are Tiasha Madden and Faith Word, school counselors for seniors. They gave academic support, encouragement, and guidance in determining various paths for our Raiders. To them, nothing is more special in their role than students thanking them on their last day of high school and seeing the excitement on their faces.
Madden and Word are confident that the graduates have highly developed their collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills during their time at LDHS. They wish the graduates to become informed, active citizens and contribute positively to their communities and the upstate South Carolina region.
Word said, “I truly hope they achieve their career goals and pursue their passions wholeheartedly. I also hope they find happiness in their professional and personal life ahead. Moreover, I pray for them to be resilient in the face of challenges and equipped with the strength to overcome obstacles. I hope they can carry fond memories and a deep sense of pride in being a Laurens Raider!”
