School District of Pickens County celebrates four graduations at Clemson, see the photos

Lions, Red Devils, Blue Flames, and Green Wave graduates each celebrate with families and friends their own Class of 2024

Greenville News

The School District of Pickens County had four graduations in Littlejohn Coliseum on Saturday, May 25. A total of 1,175 students crossed the stage to receive diplomas and celebrate their class of 2024.

Easley High School started the day at 9 a.m., with valedictorian Jacob Taaffe speaking to the class of 430 graduates about asking for help when a challenge arose.

"Whenever we get flat tires, do we keep driving and pretend that there's nothing wrong? No, we fix it," Taffee said. "Be okay with realizing that you don't have it figured out. It's okay to need help. I for one know that bottling up whatever you're struggling with isn't the way to fix it. When a problem arises, identify it and pivot. Don't let it put you down."

"Class, starting today, I challenge you to speak to someone about what you're struggling with. We have a bond that will not be broken. Together, we can give this game of life a run for its money, all figuring it out together."

At the 11:30 a.m. Liberty High School ceremony with 175 graduates, valedictorian John Michael George said, "I pray that we don't lose our enthusiasm. Don't forget to have a good time and to be a kid, even when you're working a job in college or serving in the military. This life isn't supposed to be dull or boring."

Next up, Pickens High School graduated 280 graduates.

Valedictorian Samuel Garrett said, "Life is like a jigsaw puzzle; by having a goal to strive for, you know what the final design will be. Those pieces may seem inconsequential but they add up over time to make a full picture.

"My hope is all of us in the class of 2024 will go out into the wide, wide world and achieve the goals we set for ourselves, whatever they may be," he said.

Principal Jeff Duncan said the 119th graduating class of Pickens High School set the school record for graduation percentage with 85 percent.

At D.W. Daniel High, with a class of 290, valedictorian Paige Rylee Durham spoke about achieving success in the next chapter in life.

"The success we have accomplished here, that you have decided to work for and achieve will be a great foundation for the success that is waiting for you in the future," Durham said. "Now we get to decide how we will continue to accomplish greatness."

Laura Henry, Science teacher, gets a selfie with Valedictorian Paige Rylee Durham, right, and Salutatorian Katelyn Nicole Davis, left front, and graduates waiting in line before the D.W. Daniel High School commencement with 280 graduates at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, May 25, 2024.

Graduates toss their caps during the Easley High School commencement with 430 graduates at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, May 25, 2024.

Timothy Hunter Lowrance touches the head of Principal Johnny Garett during the Liberty High School commencement with 175 graduates at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, May 25, 2024. Garrett announced after all the graduates accepted their diplomas that he told the students earlier they could not rub his head unless they graduated.

Avery Grace Woodall shows her excitement at graduation during the Pickens High School commencement with 280 graduates at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, May 25, 2024.

Valedictorian Jacob James Taaffe speaks on the subject of asking for help when a challenge arises, during the Easley High School commencement with 430 graduates at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, May 25, 2024. Taaffe said he is attending University of Florida soon.