They had been on their best behavior long enough. When the Clinton High Red Devil Class of 2026's last graduate's name was called -- Michael Luke Young -- Red Devil Nation erupted into sustained cheers and a standing ovation.
They had been asked, pre-ceremony, to ensure that all graduates had their names heard without loud outbursts, and they complied. They heeded the message that this is a Ceremony, until the last name is called, then it becomes a Celebration. So they were on their ceremonial best decorum. UNTIL, as Principal Dr. Martha Brothers had instructed, that final name was announced - and then they could cheer as loudly as they wanted and, brother howdy, did they ever!
The 160-member Class of 2026 graduated in the traditional 10 a.m. last-day-of-school ceremony in the main gym, then left through the faculty gauntlet, also a CHS tradition. That's a time for expressions of all kinds - joyous, somber, remembering, looking forward and, perhaps, a final hug. Parents, grandparents, guardians, families & friends followed them out -- into a bright sunshine that belied the almost week-long spring rains that had drenched Laurens County. The ceremony ended about 11 a.m., and by 3 p.m. that same student parking lot would be filled with cars once more, as Red Devil Baseball was hosting the second - and perhaps deciding - game of the Class AA State Championship Baseball Tournament.
Truly, a Red-Letter Day in Clinton.
Brothers presented the welcome to the main gym's capacity crowd.
"Look at yourselves, you made it," Dr. Brothers told the graduates, adding that this class has left a lasting legacy of the highest number of bathroom requests in a 45 minute period and having five sets of twins in this graduating class. "As your principal I've had the pleasure of watching you grow not only as students, but as people. Adulthood awaits you."
She stressed to the graduates that the world will celebrate their future successes in life and career - "these things are important, work hard for them" - but more important is to develop and maintain their character. "It's how you treat people who cannot offer you anything in return. ... It's whether you stand up for others when staying silent would be safer.
"It has been an honor to serve as your principal."
Ada Tiller provided the Valedictorian address. Matthew King gave his classmates the Salutatorian address.
Zia Patel, senior class president, led the graduates and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Jackie Alcudia, student body president, gave the Invocation. Presentation of Diplomas was done by Dr. Brothers, District 56 Superintendent Dr. David O'Shields, and Laura Hall, senior class sponsor. Clinton High School and Middle School band members provided the special music.
The event program recognizes 29 Class of 2026 Scholarship Recipients. The May 29 Commencement was preceded on May 29 by Senior Night and fireworks, presented by the City of Clinton.
