Laurens — Laurens County District 55 High School (LDHS) is very proud of the forty students who marched last night (Dec. 18) at the 2025-2026 Winter Graduation. Families and friends of the graduates were treated to beautiful melodies as they entered the LDHS Lecture Theatre. Live music was played by a quartet -Dillon Eclavea, Weston Coggins, I’Zalon Williams, and Dylan Brink- of the LDHS Honors Orchestra Class.
Guests eagerly welcomed the graduates as they entered the Lecture Theatre for the Winter Graduation Program. Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) Superintendent Dr. Jody Penland, School Board Vice Chair Tabitha Keitt, LDHS Principal Lewis Compton, LDHS Assistant Principal Meagan Culbertson, and LDHS Guidance Director Cassie Power promptly took the stage for the program.
LDHS Senior Class President Jackson Cole led the Procession and was joined by the LDHS Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Color Guard for the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Superintendent Dr. Jody Penland followed with his remarks highlighting the district’s supportive teachers and staff, appreciation for the students’ perseverance, and his belief in their capabilities. He also gave a special shoutout to the graduates who intend to serve in the United States Armed Forces. Penland, continued his remarks with an explanation of his gift for each graduate, a book- The Coffee Bean by Jon Gordon. Dr Penland gave his perspective on how the graduates should respond to the stress they may encounter in life- to be like coffee beans, be people who change their circumstances and make everything around them better when under pressure. Further, Dr. Penland encouraged the graduates to define themselves as ethical, polite, helpful, courageous, hardworking, kind, and committed to what is right. He capped his message by inviting the graduates to give back to those around them and to the Laurens community.
Dr. Penland said, “I pray that you use the education you have received, the friendships you have made, and the experiences you have gained to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Principal Lewis Compton followed the Superintendent's remarks with a brief message, gave the certification of graduates and led the presentation of diplomas. Mary Ellis Power, LDHS Student Body President, closed the program with a Charge to Graduates.
Guests and graduates then gathered at the LDHS Commons to celebrate with cake and punch, served by the LDHS Cafeteria Staff. Graduates and parents shared how joyful and thankful they are.
Alissia “Ali” Bull shared, “This graduation isn’t about just earning a diploma, but it’s about how much I’ve learned about myself along the way and how far I’ve come. As I close this chapter, I feel excited, accomplished, and hopeful for the future, knowing I’m stepping into the next stage of my life stronger and more confident than ever.”
“I’m immensely proud of my daughter, Alissia Marie Bull, for graduating early, a testament to her dedication and resilience. She has faced numerous struggles and obstacles, but through her determination and perseverance, she has overcome them all. I am excited and super eager to see all the amazing things that the future holds for her,” said Stephen Bull.
Cynthia Bluford, EB Morse Elementary 2025-2026 Induction Teacher of the Year and mother of Jalen Bluford, said, “We are incredibly proud of our son for graduating early. This accomplishment reflects his hard work, determination, and growth. His father, Jay Bluford, and I are proud of the young man he is becoming and excited for his future.”
Jalen Bluford stated, “I am very happy and the feeling is so rewarding. I would love to thank Mrs. Miller, Sonia Patterson, Mrs. Cook-McGrath, and Coach Cooke. Each one of these individuals inspired me to keep persevering in life, even when the challenges are tough.”
Ali echoed appreciation for the support she received. She shared, “I would like to thank Jill Wrobel for helping me with all my work and talking to me, Alissa Pinson for also helping me with my work. Tiasha Madden for listening to all my struggles and problems and helping me achieve some goals to make me more successful. Thank y’all so much!”
Tiasha Madden, LDHS School Counselor, School Board members Heather Elders and Tabitha Keitt expressed how delighted they are with the graduates and wished them congratulations.
Madden, a Class of 2008 Graduate, said, “I am so proud of all the great things our students have accomplished. The Class of 2026 has a special place in my heart, as I worked with many of them in middle school and high school.”
Madden, together with the LDHS Counselors - David Owens, Chrys Hill, Cindy Godfrey, and Faith Word, provide students with many services including solution-focused counseling, career counseling, college tours, Career Technology Education (CTE) industry tours, and individual graduation plans.
Board Member Heather Elders stated, “What an incredible accomplishment! Remember to embrace the challenges, celebrate the wins, and never stop learning.”
Board Member Tabitha Keitt said, “Congratulations, graduates! Wishing you success in whatever comes next, and joy in how you get there. Your next chapter starts now, and we can’t wait to see where it leads.”
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