Pee Dee Academy holds graduation for 28 seniors

MULLINS, S.C. – Pee Dee Academy held graduation for 28 seniors inside of the gym Friday night.

Valedictorian Terry Smith III said the class worked closely together through the years.

“This is where some of our earliest memories began,” Smith said.

Smith told his classmates it’s not adversity itself but how their reaction to it that will define their lives.

Headmaster Hal Townsend retired following his 24th year at the school, concluding 59 years in education.

Smith said students had a deep respect for Townsend.

Townsend took the moment to say thank you to the crowd.

“Thank you for giving me the privilege for being out there,” he said. “It’s been a blessing in my life. I’ve tried and I do appreciate it very much you allowing me to do this.”

Thunderstorms kept Pee Dee Academy hosting an outdoor ceremony but salvaged the night to honor their senior class.