CHOCOWINITY — With eyes on tomorrow, 120 seniors at Southside High School took home diplomas on Saturday, ready to take next steps to college, military service and the workforce.

Before a large crowd of proud friends, parents and loved ones, Senior Class Vice President Kenzie Woolard began the ceremony leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Senior Class Representative Jasmine Speller delivered the invocation.

Following the recognition of the 2018 marshals, Salutatorian Hannah Jones offered her salutatory address, encouraging her fellow students to look for the good in the world.

“I’d like if, just for today, you would try to think positively of every single person around you wearing a cap and gown,” Jones said. “Look at the young adults around you, your comrades, your fellow survivors. Boost them up today. There’s enough negativity in the world, so wear your best smiles and keep your chin held high, no matter what happens. Your future is entirely up to you now. Don’t waste a minute of it.”

An interlude by the Southside High Concert band set the stage for Valedictorian Caleb Petty to deliver his remarks to his fellow seniors.

“Whether it is college, work, or the military, you will face many more challenges in your life as you get older,” Petty told his fellow classmates in his address. “But I hope that you will always have the perseverance and determination to keep pushing yourself to do your best just as you have pushed yourself in high school so that you can be sitting in these seats today.”

Following the awarding of diplomas, Senior Class President Grant Harrell led his classmates in turning their tassels. Senior Class Secretary Alexa Alligood offered the benediction.

For coverage of graduations from Washington High School and the Beaufort County Ed Tech Center, see future editions of the Washington Daily News throughout this week.