Joseph Small hugs graduate Gabriella Berto-Small before the Erskine Academy graduation ceremony Friday at the Augusta Civic Center.

The Erskine Academy Class of 2022 walks into their Friday graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.

Samantha Golden reads the second honor essay Friday at the start of the Erskine Academy graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.

Senior Robert McCafferty, left, chats Friday with Betsy Banner Hunt, one of the graduation coordinators, before the Erskine Academy graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center. McCafferty is wearing a blue and red sash for the U.S. Marine Corps and he said he ships out Monday for Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina.

Associate Headmaster Jamie Soule, left, shakes hands with students Friday before the Erskine Academy graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center. It’s the school’s tradition that the administration and guidance staff walk down the line congratulating the seniors just before the ceremony.