Beaufort County Early College High School honored its graduates during its 2014 commencement ceremonies on Thursday evening, 13 of those receiving associates degrees and 10 going on to 4-year universities.

The ceremonies started with the presenting of the colors by the U.S. Marine Corp Color Guard and an introduction to the ceremony’s speaker, BCECHS’s own Dr. Jeffery Probert.

Probert, an ECHS teacher, gave words of inspiration and of memories made between students, faculty and staff. He also gave humorous commentary on the individuality of several students, such as students’ hairstyles, tardiness and playing with cell phones.

Lauren Wise, a graduate and ECHS Class of 2014 valedictorian, gave a valedictory address to her classmates and the audience, touching on the class’ next steps in life. Wise spoke about moving on to college, memories with friends, family and teachers as well as the importance of remembering who you are and where you come from. She told the audience how the ECHS students, who completed the 5-year program, were unique in their own way.

“Set goals, have a plan and get excited about your future,” Wise told her classmates during the address.

As she closed her address, Wise became emotional while speaking about the support she had received and continues to receive from her family, friends and teachers. She also credited her success and achievement to God, stating that He was the only constant in her life, even when everything else was unstable. Wise closed with a simple phrase for her classmates to remember — always strive for more.

Of the 28 graduates of ECHS, 16 were honored with the President’s Education Award, four were recognized as North Carolina Scholars and seven were National Honor Society members, having a 3.0 unweighted grade point average or higher.

ECHS Guidance Counselor Ginger Jefferson and ECHS Principal Emily Pake presented the 28 graduates with their diplomas and Beaufort County Schools Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps gave the class his congratulations.

Morgan Hollowell, a graduate, plans to go to ECU this upcoming fall and study to be a Health and Fitness Specialist. She said the road to graduation had been tough, but there were those who helped her through it.

“It was really hard and stressful at first,” Hollowell said, “but I met a lot of really nice and friendly people, and our teachers motivated us to keep going. I want to help kids with health and fitness after I graduate from college.”