College-bound students from across Rome and Floyd County received encouragement and advice as well as prizes to help them as they start college this fall on Saturday during the first-ever 2026 College Send-Off at The Forum River Center.
The event brought together graduates from Rome City Schools, Floyd County Schools, Darlington School, and Unity Christian School for a community-wide celebration as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their educational journeys.
Throughout the afternoon, students heard advice from current college students, parents of college students, and Kevin Stanfield from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, who shared practical safety tips to help students navigate life on campus. Graduates also heard brief remarks from Rome Mayor Jim Bojo, Floyd County Schools Superintendent Dr. Glenn White, Rome City Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland, and Darlington School Dean of Students Terar Everhart, each encouraging students to embrace new opportunities while remembering the community that helped them reach this milestone.
"This event was about much more than sending students off to college," Dr. Holland said. "It was about making sure they know an entire community believes in them and is cheering them on. Whether it was hearing advice from current college students, connecting with colleges, or walking away with resources that will help them succeed, I truly believe this event made a difference for our graduates as they begin this exciting new chapter."
Several colleges and universities participated in the event, allowing students to connect with representatives and learn more about campus resources before the start of the fall semester.
Thanks to the generosity of more than 15 local businesses and organizations, students also received the opportunity to win an array of prizes through raffle drawings, including gift cards, mini refrigerators, electric scooters, MacBooks, and other items designed to help them prepare for college life.
Members of the 100 Black Men of Rome prepared lunch for students and their families.
Bojo said the event demonstrated what can happen when a community comes together to invest in its young people.
"It was inspiring to see representatives from Rome City Schools, Floyd County Schools, Darlington, and Unity all coming together to celebrate every graduate," Bojo said. "These students may be headed to different colleges and universities, but they all call this community home. It says a lot about Rome and Floyd County that we can come together to support every one of them as they begin this next chapter."
Organizers hope the College Send-Off becomes an annual tradition, continuing to bring together students from across the community while providing encouragement, practical resources, and community support as they transition from high school to college.
"Our graduates have worked hard to reach this point," Dr. Holland said. "Now it's our turn as a community to remind them that no matter where life takes them, they'll always have people back home who are proud of them and excited to see what they accomplish."