By: Betty Gandee

The 2019-2020 school year was anything but normal, but on Thursday, July 23, the senior class received their diplomas after months of hard work.  The graduation ceremony was held on the football field at the Clay County High School with limited guests allowed.  Face masks were required, and social distancing was enforced.

Due to having a limited number of guests, the Clay County Board of Education provided a livestream so all family members and friends could share in the accomplishments of the graduating class.

The Class of 2020 not only endured the flood of 2016, but also the global pandemic which caused the closure of school without a prom, final sports games, award ceremonies, and milestones with friends. Seniors had to finish the school year online and through work packets. But now, they have persevered and all of their work has paid off.

Governor Jim Justice was the commencement speaker and attended via livestream, saying, “I’ve visited many schools and some of the best days, were the ones spent with you.”

We went on to say that Clay County High School students are some of the most impressive students around, and they have a bright future ahead of them.

Congratulations to the entire class of 2020!

The Clay County High School top 10 graduating seniors for the 2019-2020 school year were as follows:

Hunter Jones- Valedictorian

Tailynn Varney- Salutatorian

Chloe Jones- Scripture

Adrien Dorsey- Benediction

Kaitlin Ferrebee

Logan Vance

Taylor Frame

Jefferson Hymer/ Allison Jackson

Carly Osborne/ Virginia Haverty

Clare Dawson