Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Graduation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Savannah‑Chatham County certifies Highlands High School class of 2025; valedictorian, salutatorian speak and teacher honored
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Denise Watts certified Highlands High School’s class of 2025 as meeting Georgia graduation requirements. Valedictorian Matthew Smith and salutatorian Tim Chan delivered commencement remarks, and the Educate Chatham Foundation presented a $1,000 inspirational‑educator award to teacher Lisonbee Hanson.
Superintendent Dr. Denise Watts certified Highlands High School’s class of 2025 as having met the graduation requirements of the State of Georgia and the Savannah‑Chatham County Board of Education during the school’s commencement exercises, where valedictorian Matthew Smith and salutatorian Tim Chan delivered student speeches and the Educate Chatham Foundation presented a $1,000 inspirational‑educator award to teacher Lisonbee Hanson.
The certification was announced from the stage by school officials and followed student addresses that emphasized perseverance and taking opportunities. "Why not you?" valedictorian Matthew Smith asked fellow graduates during his speech, urging classmates to pursue their ambitions rather than assume they are out of reach. Salutatorian Tim Chan described moving beyond a COVID‑era comfort zone and said joining student activities helped him build confidence and connection.
The senior class selected the teacher recognized as the most inspiring educator in a secret vote; Clyde Newton, representing the Educate Chatham Foundation, presented the award and the accompanying $1,000 classroom grant. "We are so proud of each and every one of you," Newton said when presenting the honor to Lisonbee Hanson.
School leaders and the board formally conferred the diplomas by declaring that the students "have successfully completed the requirements for graduation for the state of Georgia and the Savannah‑Chatham County Board of Education." The announcement invited the graduates to move their tassels and stand for the alma mater.
Administrators also offered brief instructions to guests at the ceremony’s close, asking attendees to collect belongings, remove trash from seating areas and clear parking lots promptly to allow subsequent ceremonies to proceed on schedule.
The ceremony text and remarks recorded the students’ names and the award presentation; no votes or formal motions were reported on other matters during the program. No additional policy changes, budget actions or referrals were made during the event.
