Dougherty County School System officials and administration bestowed high school diplomas upon 30 students Sunday who had successfully met graduation requirements following the system's summer session. 

The students, along with family and friends, were celebrated during a commencement ceremony Sunday at Westover Comprehensive High School. 

During the ceremony, the principals of Albany High School, Dougherty Comprehensive High School, Monroe Comprehensive High School and Westover, offered words to congratulate the students, but to also push them into post-secondary endeavors.

Similarly, Dougherty County Schools Superintendent Kenneth Dyer lauded the graduates for their accomplishments, but told the students that they've only started to "climb the mountain." 

Pointing to labor statistics that show that high school grads make about 37 percent more annually than those without high school diplomas, Dyer said that college grads can make up to a million dollars more over the course of a lifetime than students with just a high school diploma. 

"Today is a wonderful day," Dyer said. "You’ve reached an important milestone. But don’t let your potential end here. Channel the dedication and perseverance that you’ve shown thus far into action that will get you to that mountain top and change the world."

Graduates honored Sunday were: 

Albany High School

Dougherty Comprehensive High School

Monroe Comprehensive High School

Westover Comprehensive High School