By By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles & Features Editor
An estimated 500 students in Beaufort County’s public schools will take their next big steps in life by graduating from high school during the next several days.
Commencement ceremonies have been scheduled for Washington High School, Southside High School, Northside High School and the Beaufort County Ed Tech Center, according to Sarah Hodges, public information officer for Beaufort County Schools.
“We are so proud of Beaufort County’s Class of 2010. We are confident that no matter what their next step may be, they are going to make a difference in all the best possible ways,” Hodges said. “It’s been a big year full of transition and change for Beaufort County Schools, and everyone has pulled together to make it work and work well. 2010-2011 is going to be a great year for our schools.”
Ceremonies for Beaufort County Ed Tech Center’s seniors are planned for 11 a.m. Saturday in the auditorium of Beaufort County Community College. This marks the second graduation for the school, Hodges pointed out. BCS Assistant Superintendent John Conway will be the commencement speaker.
On Tuesday, members of Southside High School’s Class of 2010 will receive their diplomas. Because final testing was still being conducted this week, the school had not announced the class valedictorian and salutatorian at press time; however, each will speak during the ceremonies.
Southside’s junior class marshals are Sara Brame (chief), Jessica Bennett, Nathan Burns, Timeteo Diaz, Bailey Hobbs, Harriet Hooker, Adam Lopez, Katherine Mayo, Jesse Powers, Christina Stanley and Evelyn Vargas, with Stephanie Echeverria and Kyle White as alternates.
Graduation ceremonies for Northside High School are set for Wednesday evening. The salutatorian and valedictorian have not been announced, but Kelly Winstead will serve as chief marshal. Other marshals are Denver Woolard, William Simmons, Kasey Clayton, Edwin Rodriguez-Alligood, Ariel Pinkham, Tiffany LaBarge, Hannah Caton, Ro-Chelle Davis, Chelsey Owens, Brandon Hosey and Kelly Speece.
At Washington High School, Thursday will officially mark the end of the 2009-2010 school year for the graduating seniors. Hayley Stowe has been named class valedictorian, and Lindsey Bargelt is salutatorian.
Marshals are Casey Lewis (chief), Emily Lobos, Elizabeth Batchelor, Samara Romero, Holly Alligood, Jordan Lewis, Thomas Sutton II, Jeffrey Swanner, Mary Rachel Thompson, Caroline Williamitis, William Henley and Sarah Nicholls.
Because of limited seating, the graduation ceremonies are open by invitation only, according to Hodges.
The graduation exercises for Northside, Southside and Washington high schools begin at 7 p.m.