Kelan Joiner is grateful for high school accomplishments, excited for ‘new chapter’

Kelan Joiner has been a busy, involved student the past four years at Social Circle High School. All of his efforts inside and outside of the classroom culminated in Joiner earning his class’ highest honor of valedictorian. It’s a recognition Joiner doesn’t take lightly.

“I am very honored and humbled to represent our school,” Joiner said. “We have many high achieving students at Social Circle, so to receive this award means a lot to me.”

In addition to his coursework, Joiner was heavily involved in extracurricular activities. He threw the shot put and discus for the Redskins’ track and field team and was a videographer for the football team. Joiner also has been a member of Beta Club, Future Farmers of America and the National Honor Society as well as participated in Youth Leadership Walton — an organization through Walton County’s Chamber of Commerce.

Not only has he taken on various extracurricular projects, but Joiner also has enrolled in advanced placement courses while in high school.

He pointed to those courses as a good standard to observe for what college work may be like.

“I’ve had fantastic teachers who did an amazing job instructing and encouraging us,” Joiner said. “I think the rigor of our AP classes has prepared me for college level work.”

But many of his top moments from the past four years come from his work away from the books.

“Some of my favorites include competing at track meets, being at our football playoff game that we won in overtime last season, learning to weld in AG Mechanics and French class,” Joiner said.

That is why Joiner shared that he will miss Friday night football games, track and field meets, weight lifting classes and, generally, hanging out with his friends after high school graduation.

Social Circle High’s graduation is set for Friday, May 26 at Redskins Stadium. After Joiner walks across the stage, he will be attending Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, to study engineering and business administration.

One day after completing his college coursework, Joiner aspires to do several years of consulting work and then start his own engineering firm.

More than that, Joiner is excited about all of the possibilities his next chapter has to offer.

“[I look forward to] pursuing my interests, developing new friendships and discovering exciting opportunities while at college,” Joiner said.