Beaufort County Early College High School bid farewell to its third graduating class since it’s been in existence. The class is the highest percentage the school has ever had graduate with associate’s degrees.

At BCECHS commencement ceremonies Thursday night, the school gave diplomas to 36 area students, 25 of which were also given Associate’s degrees. As the five-year school’s third graduating class, two of its students graduated in four years. Fifteen of its graduates will move on to four-year universities, seven will attend community colleges and 13 are set to enter the workforce, according to statistics given by Emily Pake, BCECHS principal, during her welcome speech. Seven graduating students received various scholarships totaling over $200,000.

“This class is full of energy, and I know they will be successful with their future endeavors,” Pake said.

In addition to Pake and other BCECHS staff and administration, Beaufort County Schools Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps, Beaufort County Community College President Dr. Barbara Tansey, vice-chair of BCS Board of Education Carolyn Walker, members of the BCCC Board of Trustees and other education officials in the county were present. Pake thanked BCCC for allowing BCECHS students to be housed on the campus of the college and thanked all those involved for believing in the students and guiding them the last five years of their education.

Jason Petty, BCECHS teacher was asked to be the commencement speaker by the BCECHS Class of 2015. Petty gave an emotional speech, citing memories from his time with the students, as well as his aspirations for the class. He spoke about his insight into daily living he thought the students should live with: “live everyday with dignity and honor, love with compassion, gentleness and kindness and believe in something greater than yourself.”

Class valedictorian Karlee Squires gave a speech reminiscent on what she and her fellow students had been through together, giving humorous examples, as well as a few heartfelt ones.

“We’re here today because we recognize the importance of taking care of our business,” Squires said, citing a piece of advice she was given by former principal Dr. Todd Blumenreich. “Through good times and bad, we made it through 14 years because we worked hard and never gave up.”