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Some Cavaliers said farewell at Thursday night’s commencement ceremony. Callaway High School’s class of 2024 walked across the stage set up in Callaway Stadium and received their diplomas in front of packed stands.

The CHS JROTC color guard kicked it off with the presentation of the colors and pledge of allegiance. Then the student speakers got a chance to talk about their time at a Cav, much of which has been unorthodox due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Throughout this journey, I think the skill we have all learned has been the ability to adapt under ludicrous circumstances. I mean this is the class of 2024’s first graduation since elementary school…We were told our journey in school would look significantly different than we could have ever imagined,” said Salutatorian Greyson Batchelor.

Blair Littlefield, this year’s class valedictorian, used her time to acknowledge the teachers that got her to this point. She left her class some advice. 

“I’m going to quote the wise philosopher, lyricist and business owner. Snoop Dogg once said, ‘You got to be who you are when you are,’ Today we are the most capable version of ourselves,” Littlefield said. 

Many of the speakers acknowledged the members of the Callaway community who could not be there. 

“I would like to take a moment to give a shoutout to a very special young lady who is watching tonight from her hospital bed,” said Jason Graham, the CHS Principal. “Anja McCord, we all wish you were here with us and pray for the fastest recovery possible in the face of such a devastating unexpected setback. Your positive sphere and remarkable strength have been inspiring to all of us.”

McCord was hit by a car in the parking lot of Callaway High School by a Troup County employee on May 16. McCord remains in the Piedmont Hospital in Columbus as she recovers. She was unable to make it to the graduation, however, the Piedmont staff organized a private graduation with Graham, teachers, friends and family at the facility. 

Graham also paid tribute to students who had passed before getting to graduate. Two chairs were left empty among the students for Josiahs Whitehead and Kinslee Creed. Whitehead went to Callaway Elementary and passed in 2016; he would have graduated with this class. Creed, who died in a car accident last December, also would have graduated on Thursday. Both of the families of Whitehead and Creed were present at the graduation, according to Graham.

The seniors then received their diplomas, stopping to shake hands and hug the faculty and staff. After the ceremonial throwing of the caps, the students lead a procession through two columns lined with their teachers and members of the school community. Their time as Cavaliers had come to a close. 

To view photos from the LaGrange Daily News, click here