Bryan County High School’s Class of 2019 took the stage one last time Saturday morning at the Savannah Civic Center.

During a commencement ceremony that lasted a little over an hour 140 seniors received their high school diplomas and handshakes from school officials to the cheers of family and friends.

Valedictorian Dy’amond McGhee and salutatorian Ciara Page, both bound for the University of Georgia, thanked those who made an impact on them, then took turns exhorting classmates to strive to be the best versions of themselves they can be.

“Go travel, see the world, do something good,” Page said, adding “Don’t just exist. Live life to the fullest every day.”

McGhee, who said “I can honestly say there’s no better high school (than BCHS), filled with so many wonderful faculty and staff members,” urged classmates to “believe in ourselves so we can accomplish all our goals and fulfill all our hopes and dreams.”

Bryan County Principal Mary Beth Blankenship reminded students that graduating from high school is one of life’s milestones.

“This is a significant day in your life,” Blankenship said, telling the seniors they were made for a reason.

“Each of you has great potential,” she said, asking them to “surround yourselves with dreamers, doers, believers and thinkers. Surround yourself with those who see greatness in you even when you don’t see greatness in yourself.”

McGhee, an aspiring lawyer who already as an associate’s in art in criminal justice, said one way she and her fellow graduates can repay those who helped them get to this point was to always strive to do good things.

“We are the future of this great nation,” McGhee said. “Let us prosper and succeed, and go forward in the world and do great things.”