Bryan County Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Brooksher announced Wednesday the valedictorians and salutatorians for Bryan County Middle High School and Richmond Hill High School.

“On behalf of the board of education and myself, we would like to not only congratulate these four outstanding students, who have persevered through some difficult times and rose to the top of the class academically,” Brooksher said. “We would also like to congratulate the entire class of 2023 for their current accomplishment and look for the great things that lie ahead of them. We are proud to have been a part of your life’s journey.”

Bryan County Middle High School 

Gracie Strickland is BCMHS’s valedictorian and daughter of Robert and Kasey Strickland. Gracie attributes her academic success to her parents because “they have always believed in me and encouraged me to put my best foot forward in all I do.” Gracie was born in Ellabell and has attended Bryan County Schools since Pre-K. Her favorite school memories are the activities and events such as football games that she has attended with friends. Gracie stated that while it has been a lot of hard work, it has certainly paid off and earned her the title of Valedictorian and admission to Georgia Southern University to study sonography.

BCMHS’s salutatorian is Rusty Butler, the son of Rusty and Amanda Butler.

Rusty was born in Savannah and began Bryan County Schools in Kindergarten.

He plans on attending Georgia Southern University to study electrical engineering. Rusty credits his parents with his academic success because they pushed him to not just pass classes but to excel in them and always try his hardest. His favorite high school memories are Prom and hanging out with friends at the gym. Rusty encourages other BCMHS students by saying “Just because we are a small school, doesn’t mean we have to be limited. We can keep up with the best of the best from the larger schools.” and that is just what Rusty has done to earn his title of BCMHS’s Class of 2023, Salutatorian.

Richmond Hill High School

Amy Li, RHHS valedictorian, is the daughter of Jian Li and Wen Juan Lu.

Amy credits her academic success to her parents and her teachers. “My parents have always pushed me to try my best at everything and my teachers have helped me learn the material in the way that I have.”

Amy has attended Bryan County Schools since 2nd grade and stated that her favorite memory of high school is the time she spent with the marching band. Winning competitions and having fun on the bus rides with friends are memories Amy will cherish. Amy plans on attending Rice University in Houston, Texas and will pursue a degree in biosciences.

RHHS’s salutatorian is Aiden Gray, son of Katie and David Gray. Aiden is headed to Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., to study engineering this Fall.

Aiden said his favorite memory was racing at the state championship with his high school swim team.

The relay was his favorite because he was able to race with students older than him as well as those younger. “The comradery among the group was great.”

Ryan attributes his academic success to every single teacher he has had since starting school. He stated, “each one had a tremendous impact on my academic career.”

He also gives credit to swimming because “it was an outlet for me to take the pressure off and to keep me moving.”

Bryan County graduation is 9 a.m. at Redskins Stadium. Richmond Hill graduation is 9 a.m. at Glynn County Memorial Stadium in Brunswick.