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BIG DAY: Two Pam Pack graduates share a moment of excitement before processing into the auditorium.

READY TO LEAD: There were 186 Pam Pack graduates this year. Principal Misty Walker said she is confident they are ready for the future.

LEADING THE LINE: Dr. Don Phipps, superintendent of Beaufort County Schools, led the procession of school officials and staff onto the stage.

DYNAMIC DUO: Style and Chrissy McKissick pause for a shot before receiving their diplomas at Washington High School.

STUDENT SPEECH: Holt McKeithan took home the salutatorian title for Washington High’s class of 2016.

SPECIAL GUESTS: School board officials and school administration lined the stage for Washington High's graduation ceremony.

Washington High School sent off 186 graduates into the real world on Wednesday night, after moving the ceremony indoors due to the threat of rain.

The Pam Pack class of 2016 was awarded a total of $621,251 in scholarships, with 31 percent heading to a four-year college, 35 percent heading to community college and 8 percent going straight into the workforce. The remaining students are heading for the military or have other plans.

This year’s valedictorian spot went to Robert Mayo II, and the salutatorian title went to William Holt McKeithan.

Principal Misty Walker said she is sure the graduates are prepared for the future, having learned a mixture of academic and social skills, as well as the importance of giving back.

“Some people say they are worried about the future. However, when I look at the class of 2016, I know that our future will be bright — they are outstanding in all that they do,” Walker said.

Upon addressing the audience, Mayo started his valedictorian speech on a lighter note, encouraging the audience to follow his Twitter feed and drawing laughs. But he soon dispensed more serious advice.

“Prepare to move on from high school, no matter how well you did in it, and be ready for what lies ahead,” Mayo said. “This graduation should symbolize a beginning — the beginning of real work and the benefits that come with it. So don’t wait. Pour yourself into something and put in the hours to be the best at what you do.”

He continued: “This is the part of the speech when they usually say, ‘Reach for the stars!’ or ‘We made it!’ But those are way overused. Instead, I’ll paraphrase LeBron James after winning his first title, ‘It’s about time.’”

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