‘…the power of the eraser’ marks 2026 commencements

Story & Photos By DEUCE NIVEN & JENN BOYD

    Life will bring pressures, South Columbus High School Principal Kelly Beck told the Class of 2026 during their June 6 commencement.

     Commencement exercises at Loris, Green Sea and South Columbus high schools were all held last week. Some of those details, and photos, are below. See the full story in the June 10 Tabor-Loris Tribune in print and online.

     At South Columbus Beck held a “standard number two pencil” to drive home a series of points on what those students just minutes away from turning their tassels have ahead of them. The point, she said, was not the point.

     “I don’t want you to look at the sharp, pointed graphite tip,” Beck said. “I want you to look at the other end. I want to talk to you about the eraser.”

     Those who designed the pencil “knew a fundamental truth about human nature,” Beck said. “We are bound to mess up. They didn’t put the eraser on top as an afterthought. They built it into the very design of the tool because they knew that creation requires correction.”

     Beck granted students “permission to erase” as they move forwards in their lives. “Changing your mind is not a failure; it is an edit. If you get two years into a career path and realize that your heart isn’t in it, rub it out and start a new line.”

     Life isn’t always neat, Beck said, encouraging the class to “embrace the smudge” the eraser leaves behind. “If you’ve ever erased something heavy, you know it leaves a little pink mark behind. In life, those smudges are your scars, your heartbreaks, and your tough lessons. Do not be ashamed of them. They’ done ruin the page, they give your story texture, depth, and character.”

LHS

     Loris High School’s Valedictorian Caitlyn Black addressed her graduating class during the June 3 commencement.

     “The atmosphere, care and the passion throughout student life was amazing,” Black said of her high school experience.

     A third-generation LHS graduate, Black said following that family tradition was “a Blessing from God, and I am here because He placed me here.”

     Black followed classmates Salutatorian Kaydin Hughes, Class Laureate Shaeliegh Wriglesworth, and Senior class president Maison Eaddy’s welcoming speeches, along with Senior class secretary Haley Spence’s Invocation, and Senior class vice-president Gracie Sendler’s lead of The Pledge of Allegiance.

GSF

     “Greatness” was the theme for the June 2 commencement in the Green Sea Floyds High School gym.

     Principal Nick Harris, following Invocation led by senior Ginna Lynn Harrelson, spoke of the importance of greatness, and how each student should carry-on the evening’s theme moving forward, after recognizing “all the Veterans and active military,” with a standing ovation, thanking them for their service.

Stallion scenes

Learned Lions

GSF grads