Family and friends gathered in recent days to celebrate graduations at each of the three high schools in Bulloch County: Portal Middle-Senior, Southeast Bulloch and Statesboro High. Prevalent during each ceremony was the spirit of Dr. Seuss' well known and often quoted book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go."

At Portal, valedictorian Cassidy Sivils and salutatorian Caree McGahee delivered their addresses to the 55 graduates and their loved ones, along with faculty and staff at the school. 

Melissa Mackelprang, valedictorian, and Anna Forbes, salutatorian, along with the senior chorus were among the people on stage to help the 232 graduates celebrate with family and friends who filled the stands at Southeast Bulloch High School's commencement, held at Fred Shaver Field. 

At Statesboro High School's ceremony, valedictorian Michael Vescio, known for his physical fitness, held up a water bottle while promising to keep his speech short. 

"I got a date with the weights after this," he said. 

Vescio and salutatorian Sarah Conner addressed the 358 graduates at the ceremony. 

A special chair was left empty among the graduates for honorary graduate Tucker Lanier, who passed away at the age of 15 in 2016 from complications due to Hunter's Syndrome. His mother, Casey Hurst, hung a tassel on a picture of her son following the graduation ceremony.