CANEY BAY — Brantley County High School’s Class of 2026, 197 strong, took the first step toward the future Friday with an evening commencement ceremony here in Heron Stadium.
As freshmen, they entered high school dealing with the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. The challenges didn’t end there though, with the final weeks leading to graduation upended by the devastating Brantley County wildfire.
The graduates, 64 of whom held honor status, were led academically by Valedictorian Yog Pritul Patel and Salutatorian Cohen James Carter.
Following the senior’s procession in, Steven Roberson delivered the Pledge of Allegiance. Camille Anderson followed with the singing of the National Anthem, and Brooklyn Boyett delivered the invocation.
Principal Dr. Walker Todd introduced the Board of Education, before recognizing Joseph Herrin as the recipient of the Dewitt Moody Scholarship.
Following this, Carter came forward to deliver the Salutatory address, followed by Patel delivering the Valedictory address.
Carter thanked his family and teachers for their contributions to his education.
“Looking back on it now, I never would have imagined that I would be up here speaking today,” he said, “and perhaps if I had known that then I would’ve settled for third place.”
He would go on to de-liver what he described as an “atypical graduation speech”. He posed the question to his fellow graduates, “what is truly the point of all this?” He concluded that he did not know.
“That is because I do not believe that there is some universal point to our existence, rather it is up to the individual to find this purpose for themselves,” Carter said.
He encouraged his classmates to maintain their creativity and individuality as they enter their future.
“I understand that it is everyone’s first time living, mistakes will be made, but I beg you, do not forfeit your ability to create. Furthermore, the moment you start caring what others think about you, is the moment you surrender your freedom.”
Patel opened his speech with a humorous analogy for the high school education — a relationship.
“When someone says high school I think of it as a four-year marriage,” Patel said. “We started off as freshmen in the ‘honeymoon phase’, lost and confused. but excited.
“Then came sophomore year where we realized we still had a long way to go, and the most exciting part was most of us started driving. By our junior year, we had that realization that this was the year it all matters most and we only have a little more to go.
“And our senior year were the final days we were counting down on the divorce to be finalized, and TODAY is that day. But standing here today, looking at all of you, I realized I’m actually going to miss this ‘crazy ex’ of ours.”
Patel went on to thank his family and teachers for their role in his education.
“These very people, whether it be your parents, grandparents, guardians, friends, or teachers, are our real ‘why,’” he said. “They are the reason this diploma matters.” He concluded by encouraging his classmates to, “Try your best at everything and most importantly be yourself, you are your greatest asset.”
Following this, Dr. Todd and Superintendent Dr. Kim Morgan presented the Class of 2026 their diplomas.
Kaycee Johnson ascended to the podium to deliver the class address. She began by recognizing the two deceased classmates of ‘26, Cody Oglesby and Talan Tanner, before reflecting on the class’ educational journey.
“Along the way, we learned more than just math, history or science. We learned how to overcome challenges, how to support each other, and how to keep going, even when things felt hard,” she said.
She imparted some Biblical advice to her fellow graduates, quoting Joshua 1:9, which states, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
The graduation ceremony concluded with a benediction delivered by Raegan DePratter, and the performance of the class song.
