LaFAYETTE — Chambers Academy celebrated its 50th graduating class on Friday night at Torbert Field.

The 21 graduates smiled and socialized with one another for one last time as administrators and students alike rounded off the group’s accomplishments.

Every student in this year’s senior class was accepted into a higher education institution of some sort, and the group earned a total of $1.3 million in scholarship funds.

Salutatorian Mikayla Martin addressed the crowd, offering up her perspective of the Chambers Academy experience.

She moved from metro Atlanta to Chambers Academy during her ninth grade year, and she expressed gratitude to the community for welcoming her. She then challenged her classmates to never put a limit to their future goals, dreams and ambitions.

“Try to experience things outside of Chambers Academy,” Martin said. “Don’t let the stubborn perspectives of those around you affect your everyday life because sometimes they aren’t able to listen. It’s not worth your time or energy trying to please people who have no interest in keeping you satisfied. Make use of the time you’ve been given because you only have one life to live for yourself, God and no one else.”

Reese closed the speech delivering an emotional tribute to one of the graduates’ fathers who recently passed away.

Each of the students crossed the stage and received an honorary cord for the 50th anniversary of the school.