12 for Life held its 2014 commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 15th at Midway Church. There were 114 12 for Life students from the Carroll, Heard County and Haralson County School Systems who participated in the ceremony. There were a total of 184 graduates from all 12 for Life programs, including Florence City School System, Monroe County Schools and the Great Promise Kids Partnerships, bringing the grand total of graduating students to 851 since the program began in 2007.

The graduation ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by graduate Earl Johnson and included greetings from Superintendent Scott Cowart. This was followed by a keynote address from Lt. Governor Casey Cagle.

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle spoke about his own life and inspirations from his faith. He mentioned three key pillars by which he lives :1) Act Justly, 2) Love Mercy, 3) Walk Humbly. He challenged the students to keep these three points in mind as they moved forward with their education and careers.

Each student was recognized by Dr. Douglas Wright, 12 for Life Coordinator for the Carroll County School System. As students walked across the stage, Wright read their names and their future ambitions, many of which were to go to college and work for Southwire. Each graduate was given a copper cord to wear at his or her school’s graduation, a Fossil brand watch, a check for $250, and a certificate of recognition. In addition, achievement awards were given to two outstanding students. Joseph Graham received the Academic Achievement Award for highest grade-point average, and Dalton Brock received the Standard of Excellence Award. A total of 21 students were awarded Scholarships including the 12 for Life Scholarship, the Harold H. Charles Memorial Scholarship presented to LaPorche Farley by Dr. Dana Riley, and the Fulford Family Scholarship presented to Jaquline Gay by Mrs. Kristi Garrett.

The ceremony ended with an inspirational speech by graduate, Mary Crews, who emphasized to always keep a positive attitude and look at life as an opportunity to be successful in whatever you might choose to do.

Attending the ceremony were graduates, parents, 12 for Life administration and faculty, school
system administration and faculty, Southwire administration and employees, local and state government stakeholders, Great Promise Partnership representatives, local media, and various community representatives. Commencement exercises were followed by a luncheon to honor the graduates.