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Buford High School valedictorian Taylor Threatt said her best leader in life is God.

At the very last minute, Threatt surpassed classmates Brandon Moore and Jessica Newton, nabbing the top spot in the BHS class of 2008.

Threatt is a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society. She played on the BHS volleyball and golf teams. She plans on pursuing a secondary education degree at North Greenville University.

Tears streaked down Pearlene Dinkins' face as she watched her granddaughter, Sekia Davis, march off the field as "Pomp and Circumstance" played.

Dinkins, like many others Friday night, was simply proud to see a family member finish high school. Davis was one of 301 Lancaster High School students to receive a diploma this year.

"I feel so good to see her get through this year," Dinkins said. "It's a blessing."

The ceremony was also emotional for Dani Strang.

For a while, the graduating senior couldn't stop crying.

KERSHAW – The effort to raise money and volunteer labor for a planned children's park in Kershaw marches on.

More than $40,000 of the projected $97,000 cost of the park has been raised, but additional funds are sought and people are being asked to help work at the park site July1 through July 26.

Thirteen captains will lead the work and people who will cook meals for the volunteers over the five-day period.

"This will truly be a community-built park," said Beverly Timmons of the Kershaw Community Park Council.

County Council's budget talks are expected to continue Monday night.

Council has second reading of the 2008-09 budget on its agenda. It held a special meeting May 22 to discuss the proposed $30.2 million budget, which includes increases for new personnel for three new buildings – the Indian Land Library, the new recreation center in the Edenmoor subdivision and the Buford recreation center.