By: Shayla Terry

Dressed in their signature true blue, the Highland Home class of 2017 celebrated a night of finishing the first chapter of their lives.

The night’s ceremony was opened by the invocation and pledge of allegiance by class vice-president Logan Chase Mansmann, and a welcome by class president Tanner Rhodes Harris.

Superintendent of the Crenshaw County School system Dr. Boyd English gave his graduation address urging the young adults to prepare for their futures.

“What a special time,” Boyd said. “The Highland Home graduating class of 2017 represents the future of our great community, our proud state and our wonderful nation. They represent our next teachers, business leaders, medical technicians physicians attorneys and various other leaders in our community. It is the heart of the Squadron that will make each graduate successful in college, careers and in life.”

Salutatorian Haley Word opened her speech with Deuteronomy 31:13 and relayed the importance of faith to the classes future.

“I believe that Deuteronomy is a great reminder that we will always have someone there for us —God, our father in heaven,” Ward said. “We will not go anywhere or do anything without God right there beside us. It is my prayer that my classmates and I always know to keep God first in our future endeavors.”

Ward led a moment of silence for her fallen classmate William Trotter Crowe. Senior Johnathon Gafford gave a heart-felt special presentation of Sipper’s honorary diploma to his parents and sister.

Class valedictorian Rebecca Petty informed the parents of the class that they will always work hard.

“Tonight, as well are leaving our high school behind and becoming leaders of the real world, we want you to know that we will do our best to make you proud,” Petty said.

Petty informed her classmates that though they have lived through high school, this is only the beginning.

“High school is a very important time in your life,” Petty said. “But what happens in these halls does not determine what you will do with your life. You alone have the power to make your life what you want it to be. You do not have to be perfect. You have to be the best version of you that you can be. I want to encourage all of you to take the narrow path; challenge yourselves.”

After receiving their long awaited diplomas, the class tossed their caps to their bright futures.