Story by student reporter Caleb Moore

Tuesday, Aug. 22 marked one of the many rewarding milestones that the Thomas County Central High School Class of 2019 will reach.

Students, parents and family filled the school’s gymnasium for the annual junior class ring ceremony. After everyone was seated, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the class president welcomed everyone and the ceremony began.

Full of excitement, students could not wait to receive their ring. Some recipients have been waiting years for this moment.

“It is very rewarding to look down at my finger and see something that I have waited three years for,” junior William Bufford said. “It makes me feel proud.”

Other students were ecstatic about receiving their class ring because of what the item symbolizes to them.

Recipient Hailey Silvia chose a blue sapphire stone (her birthstone) and symbols that represent her school experience.

“It has my graduation year and my school mascot on one side, which shows me where I came from,” Silvia said. “On the other side is my name and and something to represent drumline because I love band so much.”

Class rings mean more than just a piece of jewelry on the students’ fingers. One student recognized the ring as an accomplishment. For others, the ceremony itself made the most impact.

“My favorite part of the ring ceremony was getting my ring from my mom,” Silvia said.  “She's represented both parent roles throughout my whole life and has been there with me through every second of the way no matter how difficult it got.”?