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Carver/Century Holds Last Ever Graduation Exercise

The moment was bittersweet as the final eighth grade class at Carver/Century K-8 School held graduation exercises Tuesday night.

There was excitement over the new beginning that the graduation presents for the students as they head off to high school in the fall, and there was sadness over the class being the last ever to graduate from the Blackcat legacy of Century High School, Carver/Century, Century Elementary and Carver Middle.

Friday is final day of school for the Carver/Century after the school board voted earlier this year to close Century’s last school.

“This really a very poignant moment for all us,” Carver/Century Curriculum Coordinator Paula Jernigan said. Tuesday marked her 25th graduation excercise at a Century school.

“I can remember when it was not easy for someone to  event make it to the eighth grade,” Rev. Willie Carter told the graduating eighth graders, holding his Century diploma from May 22, 1936, in his hand. “Tonight, we have to think of it as a beginning.”

Principal Jeff Garthwaite presented a certificate and pin depicting a blackcat and the word “pride”.  It was all about the Blackcat pride legacy, he said. “We’ve tried to share that with students that they are continuing that Blackcat pride.”

“Nobody’s going to ask you if came out of a little town like Century, but if you can do the job,” Rev. Carter said.

The top-ranked student in the class, Devon Cottrell, said, “This is only a small step for to walk and leave Carver/Century School; however, out lives experince big change, a chance that will be managed with patience as wisdom.”

The second-ranked student in the class was Skyler Macks, just 1/100th of a point behind Cottrell.

“I am proud that I had the opportunity to attend this school,” Macks said. “I will miss the good times we’ve had at Carver/Century.”

“Today is a day of joy and celebration. We are moving on and growing,” Macks said. “This was a great school.”

Click here for a complete photo gallery from the Carver/Century eighth grade graduation exercise Tuesday night.

The following students were in the final graduation class at Carver/Century K-8 School: Jay Ates; Keairra Brown; LaPorsha Brown; Devon Cottrell; Jaquan Dale; Tyaisha Davison; Ashtin Dixon; Aradius Elliott; Arkelle Elliott; Tierra Floyd; Alisha Grice; Kahlil Grice; Blaze Harkness; Kateria Hoffman; Trevor Hubbard; Cordell Jackson; Shaquanna Jones; Te’Andreia Knight; La’Mikal Kyles; Skyler Macks; Chris Madison; Trevelle McWilliams; Demontra Mitchel; Jontashia Myles; Stetson Nash; Jamell Rivers; Deidre Steel; Talia Syria Dyshun White; Roderick Woods.

Pictured top: Graduation exercises at Carver/Century K-8 School Tuesday night. Pictured inset: Rev. Willie Carter addresses the students, his 1936 Century diploma in hand. Pictured below: Devon Cottrell receives his eighth grade certificate. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.