Graduation Ceremonies in Aiken and Columbia Counties

News Summary

Graduation season is here in Aiken and Columbia counties, with multiple commencement ceremonies planned for schools and colleges. Aiken Technical College’s festivities kicked off at the USC Aiken Convocation Center, followed by Augusta University and Paine College. High school graduations will also take place at Evans Towne Center Park and USC Aiken, featuring a variety of events spread across late May. Community members are reminded that attendance is subject to weather conditions, with protocol measures in place.

Aiken, SC – Graduation season is in full swing as families and graduates across Aiken and Columbia counties prepare for a series of commencement ceremonies. Schools and colleges are set to recognize the achievements of their students over the coming weeks, with significant events scheduled at various venues.

Aiken Technical College commenced its graduation festivities on Tuesday at the USC Aiken Convocation Center, located at 2049 Champion Way in Graniteville. Augusta University and Paine College will follow on Sunday, holding their ceremonies at 9 a.m. at the HEAL Complex, 1255 Druid Park Ave., Augusta. Augusta Technical College will host its commencement on Saturday, June 7, at Bell Auditorium, 712 Telfair St., Augusta.

At the University of South Carolina – Aiken, graduates will celebrate their accomplishments on Wednesday, May 7, at 6 p.m. Belle Wheelen, the president and CEO of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges, will deliver the keynote address during this ceremony, where a total of 328 degrees will be awarded.

For high school students, Columbia County Schools will host graduation ceremonies at Evans Towne Center Park on May 28, 29, and 30. In the case of inclement weather, a backup plan is in place to move the events to the Columbia County Performing Arts Center. Meanwhile, Aiken County schools are also scheduled to hold their ceremonies at the USC Aiken Convocation Center, with specific dates for each institution.

Aiken County Graduation Schedule:

• May 28: Aiken Scholars Academy at 7 p.m.
• May 29: Silver Bluff High School at 8 p.m.
• May 30: District Completer Ceremony at Aiken County Career & Technology Center at 5 p.m.

Overall, the graduation schedules for high schools in the region are as follows:

Richmond County Schools at James Brown Arena, 601 Seventh St.:

• May 22:
  • Hephzibah High School at 3 p.m.
  • G. P. Butler High School at 6 p.m.
• May 23:
  • Cross Creek High School at 8 a.m.
  • Westside High School at 11 a.m.
  • Lucy C. Laney High School at 2 p.m.
  • Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School at 4:30 p.m.
  • T. W. Josey High School at 7 p.m.
• May 24:
  • A. R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School at 8 a.m.
  • Glenn Hills High School at 11 a.m.
  • John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School at 2 p.m.
  • Academy of Richmond County at 5 p.m.

Columbia County Schools at Evans Towne Center Park:

• May 22: Greenbrier High School at 6:30 p.m.
• May 23:
  • Harlem High School at 9:30 a.m.
  • Grovetown High School at 6:30 p.m.
• May 24:
  • Lakeside High School at 9:30 a.m.
  • Evans High School at 6:30 p.m.

Aiken County High Schools at USC Aiken Convocation Center:

• May 28: Aiken County Career & Technology Center at 5 p.m.
• May 29: Ridge Spring-Monetta High School at 7 p.m.
• May 30:
  • Silver Bluff High School at 2 p.m.
  • Wagener-Salley High School at 5 p.m.
  • South Aiken High School at 8 p.m.
• May 31:
  • Aiken High School at 9 a.m.
  • Aiken Scholars Academy at noon
  • North Augusta High School at 3 p.m.
  • Midland Valley High School at 6 p.m.

Graduation events may be subject to change based on severe weather conditions, and masks will be required for all in-person ceremonies. For any inquiries or missed school information, contact Jennifer Miller at jmiller@gannett.com. With a busy graduation season ahead, the community looks forward to celebrating the achievements of these dedicated students.

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Additional Resources

• Augusta Chronicle: 2025 Area High School and College Graduations
• Wikipedia: Graduation
• WRDW: Local Colleges Return to In-Person Graduation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Commencement Ceremony
• SI Live: Moore Catholic High School Graduation Ceremony
• Google News: Graduation Ceremonies