Baldwin High School Launches First Annual Decision Ceremony to Celebrate Student Success

Baldwin County School District proudly hosted its first annual Decision Ceremony this morning, celebrating the post-secondary choices of Baldwin High School seniors—from four-year universities to trade programs to military service.

In a momentous step forward, this new tradition highlights Baldwin High School’s commitment to fostering a culture of college and career readiness while spotlighting the achievements and aspirations of its graduating class.

A New Tradition Rooted in Motivation

The inaugural event, spearheaded by Baldwin High School Principal Markeeta Clayton, was designed to honor seniors as they revealed their next steps beyond graduation. Inspired by similar events held by BCSD's Georgia College Early College program, the ceremony was thoughtfully tailored to reflect the unique culture and spirit of Baldwin High.

"You're always looking for ways to encourage your student body which aligns with our mission—and that's to be college and career ready," said Principal Clayton. "What better way to motivate the student body than to give them that celebration moment to announce where they're going and their achievements moving forward past high school."

Led by a Dedicated Team

While Principal Clayton led the initiative, she was quick to credit her exceptional counseling team for making the event possible. Baldwin High School's incredible counseling staff, Dr. Michael Adams, Dr. David Sallad, and Dr. LaDaria Coats worked closely with her to facilitate the planning and execution of the event.

"They worked hand in hand with me to plan it, to share ideas, and to ensure it truly reflected the heart of Baldwin High School," Clayton shared. The team also collaborated with Georgia College Early College for inspiration, modifying the concept to better serve the Baldwin High student body.

Building a Culture of Celebration and Planning

This first Decision Ceremony is just the beginning. Principal Clayton envisions the event becoming a cornerstone of Baldwin High’s senior year traditions.

"The purpose is to grow it from this point on and to allow our whole student body to see the movements of the seniors—where they’re going—to motivate them to make a decision earlier and to plan and be more prepared up to their senior year," she explained.

Beyond celebration, the event is designed to shape student mindsets as they enter adulthood, encouraging thoughtful planning and goal setting from an earlier stage in high school. "This is one of those celebrations that the parents can enjoy, the students can enjoy, and it's just very heartfelt to see how joyous they are about their decision," said Clayton.

A Community United in Support

As the school district continues to emphasize academic excellence and holistic student development, the Decision Ceremony exemplifies Baldwin County School District’s ongoing commitment to honoring student choices and preparing them for lifelong success.

"It’s a great day to be a Brave," Clayton added, smiling.