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By Carey Reeder | Staff Writer

While the rain outside threatened the festivities, it could not dampen the celebration inside for Chilton County High School’s Class of 2022.

After weather forced the ceremony into the auditorium, family, friends and loved ones filled every seat to see the graduates of CCHS be honored.

Emma Kate Locke began the ceremony by leading the invocation and the pledge of allegiance.

Chilton County Schools Superintendent Jason Griffin described the ceremony as a “celebration of life and the accomplishments of these young people,” during his speech to the seniors and guests.

“The goal of education is to prepare you for life. Today is the moment you become a high school graduate and go out into the world,” Griffin said. “We know you are prepared for whatever path lies ahead for you.”

CCHS Principal Ron Pinson began his address by apologizing to guests for having to move the ceremony inside. Pinson recognized seniors whose accomplishments were omitted on senior day on May 20 due to a glitch in the submission portal.

Pinson reflected upon what the class of 2022 has been through to get to their graduation moment.

“In only four years, this graduating class sitting before has endured and overcome a global pandemic and missed out on many traditions that CCHS is known for,” Pinson said. “I do believe this class has somewhat had to grow up a little too soon, but I cannot help but admire this group’s perseverance and flexibility they have shown over the last two years.”

CCHS had 22 valedictorians in the Class of 2022 who achieved a 4.25 grade point average or higher. Vice Principal Crystal Sabat recognized each valedictorian during the ceremony.

Parker McCullough is the Salutatorian for the Class of 2022.

Mia Deason, the top-ranked valedictorian, gave her speech before the diplomas were handed out to the graduates.

“We have learned ambition, passion, love, struggles and perseverance, but soon this will all be a distance memory,” Deason said. “Whether you are in pure royal blue tonight or decked out in awards, I want you to know that you are valued and appreciated, and you have the potential to be anyone you want to be one day.”

The CCHS 2022 Senior Class officers were President Emma Deason, Vice President Lily Newton, secretary Mia Deason and treasurer Jadyn Kurdziel. The Class of 2022 motto is “knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers,” and the class song is “I Lived” by OneRepublic.

Chilton County High School Class of 2022 Valedictorians

Charlotte Blencowe

Evelyn Cleckler

Leighton Coppedge

Mia Deason

Brody Garmany

Marlie Giles

Rayce Giles

Autumn Jones

Jadyn Kurdziel

Emma Kate Locke

Belen Lopez

Kayla Marsh

Jacob Moore

Lily Newton

Alyssa Norton

Julianna Nunn

Marissa Parrish

Andrew Simpson

James Simpson

Selene Sublett

Cole Tignor

Mason Zuelzke