VALDOSTA — Coastal Plains High School held its semi annual graduation Thursday, Jan. 11, at the Lowndes High School Performing Arts Center.

Nineteen students graduated, though not all were able to attend the ceremony.

Jason Van Nus served as the guest speaker. He reminded the students that a good work ethic trumped talent and encouraged them to keep good company.

“Don’t be a casualty to the company you keep,” Van Nus said.

He admonished the students to have a good foundation that can be stood upon during hard times. Van Nus finished by telling the students what their diploma wouldn’t do for them, stating, “Don’t let your guard down! Fight and persevere, because your diploma won’t insulate you from disappointment, struggle, injustice, or hurt! So, look back at tonight and remember what you can do in the face of adversity.”

Students graduating were Katherine Ann Eidson, Clemon Franklin III, Alivia Zephaniah Goodwin, Dawson Nicholas Harrell, Lauren Olivia Haynes, Ilanna Na’Dell Henderson, J’Lynn Bernard Jackson, Christopher Michael Johnson, Lauralyn Lodge, Elijah Ira Lopez-Cepero, Kinsey Renee McIntyre, De’Andre Savion Girard Moore, Emica Castro Pereira, Natalia Divine Ragland, Matthew Gregory Reeves, Shaniya Zonya Nicole Sanders, Destiny Nykeria Kevionna Talton and Joshua Evan Velazquez.