Students at the annual Sea Island Bank honor graduate luncheon were urged to make peace with their past, focus on the present and prepare for the future as they embark on the next phase of their lives.
Speaking to the 137 honor graduates from six Bulloch County schools, Dr. Bill Perry encouraged them to make the most of each moment.
"I hope as you enter this next stage of life you live in the present and not wait for some future event to be happy," he said.
Perry said people often think they'll start enjoying life when they reach a certain milestone, such as income or age, but asked those in attendance to not think such thoughts.
"Don't put off living," he said.
He also urged the soon-to-be graduates to come to terms with any mistakes they've made in the past as well as to not rest on their accomplishments.
"Before you turn your back on your past, go back and remember it and deal with any issues you have. Don't wait until you're 50 like I did," Perry said.
He also asked them to "claim your future" by staying focused on the goals they've set for themselves. He said to develop humility and integrity and to lead their life based on those characteristics.
Ashley Akins, valedictorian for Southeast Bulloch High School, said it was different to see all the honor graduates gathered in one place.
"I'm used to seeing them at different competitions and competing against them," she said. "So often, we get stuck in our own little groups because we're at different schools, but this reminds us we're all about to be on the same footing when we go off to college."
Jordan Jones of Statesboro High said it was an honor to be recognized.
"It makes you realize all your had work has paid off," he said.
Rosa Town, also of Statesboro High, said it was "really special' to be there with people she's known for year.
"It's nice to come out and see everyone all together," she said. "It's an honor and I've worked hard for this."
Thursday marked the 26th annual honor graduate luncheon hosted by Sea Island Bank.
"We want to take a moment to congratulate them on their achievements and set aside a time for them to be recognized," said Wayne Akins, president of the bank. "This event helps cement a fond memory of their hometown."
Speaking to the 137 honor graduates from six Bulloch County schools, Dr. Bill Perry encouraged them to make the most of each moment.
"I hope as you enter this next stage of life you live in the present and not wait for some future event to be happy," he said.
Perry said people often think they'll start enjoying life when they reach a certain milestone, such as income or age, but asked those in attendance to not think such thoughts.
"Don't put off living," he said.
He also urged the soon-to-be graduates to come to terms with any mistakes they've made in the past as well as to not rest on their accomplishments.
"Before you turn your back on your past, go back and remember it and deal with any issues you have. Don't wait until you're 50 like I did," Perry said.
He also asked them to "claim your future" by staying focused on the goals they've set for themselves. He said to develop humility and integrity and to lead their life based on those characteristics.
Ashley Akins, valedictorian for Southeast Bulloch High School, said it was different to see all the honor graduates gathered in one place.
"I'm used to seeing them at different competitions and competing against them," she said. "So often, we get stuck in our own little groups because we're at different schools, but this reminds us we're all about to be on the same footing when we go off to college."
Jordan Jones of Statesboro High said it was an honor to be recognized.
"It makes you realize all your had work has paid off," he said.
Rosa Town, also of Statesboro High, said it was "really special' to be there with people she's known for year.
"It's nice to come out and see everyone all together," she said. "It's an honor and I've worked hard for this."
Thursday marked the 26th annual honor graduate luncheon hosted by Sea Island Bank.
"We want to take a moment to congratulate them on their achievements and set aside a time for them to be recognized," said Wayne Akins, president of the bank. "This event helps cement a fond memory of their hometown."