CORDOVA — Eight students from Cordova School walked across their gymnasium’s stage to receive their graduation certificates Tuesday, marking the end of their years of public education and the beginning of adulthood.

Carrie Tyson said two of the graduates were from Pence Place, where she serves as residential manager.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “It’s a statement that you can do it if you try hard. One of my sayings is ‘If you believe it, you can achieve it.’ And this is a special day for these students.”

Teacher Alicia Chase gave an emotional speech, addressing each student one by one to tell them one thing they would be remembered for most. She finished her speech with a quote from the late best-selling children’s author Theodor Seuss Geisel — best known as Dr. Seuss.

“You’re off to great places. Today is your day,” she said. “Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.”

As she completed the speech, the students filed onto the stage to receive their graduation certificates and a gift.

Richmond County Board of Education members Bobby Sue Ormsby and Ronald Tillman spoke at the event, and Superintendent Dr. Cindy Goodman joined board chairman Wiley Mabe onstage to hand out the certificates.

Asked what came next for the Cordova students, Goodman said that some of them already have employment lined up.

“Some children will get part-time and full-time jobs,” she said. “It varies with each student. One of our goals is to give them job skills so they can work, and we’re glad to say we have done that.”

The graduates are Delaney Clarence Anderson, Shannon Faye Batton, Oryanna Julia De’Ajua Covington, Tierra Mona’ Elliott, Johnny Shyheim Azul Galloway, Stevonia Charmaine Hamilton, David Tyler Strickland, and Calvin Wayne Watkins, Jr.

Reach reporter Melonie McLaurin at 910-817-2673 and follow her on Twitter @meloniemclaurin.

Melonie McLaurin | Daily Journal The Cordova School class of 2016, along with friends and family in the audience, recited the Pledge of Allegiance Tuesday in the opening of their graduation ceremony.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_Row.jpgMelonie McLaurin | Daily Journal The Cordova School class of 2016, along with friends and family in the audience, recited the Pledge of Allegiance Tuesday in the opening of their graduation ceremony.

Melonie McLaurin | Daily Journal Richmond County Schools officials were on hand Tuesday morning to congratulate Cordova School’s graduating class of 2016.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_CordovaGrad.jpgMelonie McLaurin | Daily Journal Richmond County Schools officials were on hand Tuesday morning to congratulate Cordova School’s graduating class of 2016.
Cordova students earn graduation certificates

By Melonie McLaurin

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