18 students graduate for East Laurens leadership programs 

Eighteen students from East Laurens High School recently graduated from leadership programs by either receiving a jacket or crown.

The annual Growing Young Men and Queening Unique Triumphant Elegant Young Women induction ceremony was held last Thursday in the ELHS auxiliary gymnasium.

Kei’Lyangee Clayton, Laylah Curry, Xionaijai Devoe, Katie Lampp and Ninya McClendon received their crowns while Adrian Beacham, Jermaryon Chapman, Logan DeLoach, Kendrell Graddy, Marcus Hudson, Caleb Jackson, Gavin Knight, Javier Lopez, Dylan Rocho, Ja’Mariyon Stewart, Nolan Walker, TyTravion Washington and Josiah Wright received their jackets.

When Q.U.T.E.  students’ names were called, they stood up and went receive a crown from Pat Brock, the Laurens County School System’s public information officer, and ELHS assistant principal Erica Johnson.

When G.Y.M. students were called, they received a jacket from Laurens County Superintendent O.J. Hall and retired educator Woodrow Carswell. 

“You are now part of the Q.U.T.E. and G.Y.M. graduates at East Laurens High School,” said program director Will Smith. “This program is never about Mr. Smith. It is about you.”

Brock was the guest speaker for the event.

“I feel very honored,” she said about the chance to talk to the students.

Brock grew up in a big family. She admitted that they were a poor farming family that did not have running water.

“Growing up, I was labeled,” Brock said as she displayed an elementary school picture of herself near the podium. “I was smart, fast and funny. But I was poor and weird. All of these labels characterize us. When we are labeled, we have to think if what they are saying is true.”

Brock recited the saying that “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt.” 

“Words will hurt,” she said. “What and how we say something means something. Your words can be moving.” 

Brock calls herself an advocate.

“I fight for the underdog,” she added. “This program is helping you be the best version of yourself. In order to be your true self, you can’t be the problem. Don’t let where you came from define you. Use it to fuel you.” 

Brock encouraged the students to pour into others. Tell others, “Thank you,” and how much they mean to them.

“Be on the right side of building someone up and not tearing them down,” she said. “I make it my business to let my light shine. If you do, there are no limits you can’t accomplish.” 

Chapman ended the program with a testimony about time in the G.Y.M. program. At first, he thought it was just another program.

“I did not realize it would be a foundation for my growth,” Chapman said. “I was surrounded by young men who taught me and supported me.” 

He also thanked Smith for his leadership.

“Mr. Smith saw something in me,” Chapman said. “He always tells me to be comfortable about being uncomfortable. This G.Y.M. has been a launching point for me.” 

Smith thanked Bank of Dudley, Betta Focus Photography, Chick-fil-A, Delta Kappa Gamma, Dublin Chevrolet-GMC-Nissan, Georgia Power, Kid’s Cup, Exchange Club of Dublin, Morris Bank, Pitts Toyota, Robins Financial Credit Union, Trucker Catering Services and Unique Kreations Event Planner, LLC.,  for being sponsors for the GYM and QUTE.

“It’s good to partner with these sponsors,” Smith said. “Everyone here today has been with us. Every time I’ve called on these sponsors have helped out and not shy away.”