Senior students from Italy High School enjoyed Mexican pile-ons at Central Baptist on Thursday. The graduates practiced for graduation and then made a bee-line for lunch. This is a tradition with the church and this year is no exception.

Karen Mathiowetz and helpers Barbara & Tom Little, Linda Erwin and Louis Helen Reeves made the traditional meal for the graduating Class of 2009 and followed it with wonderful cream puff pastries.

Some of the students were lucky to have their name drawn for prizes. Those graduates included Annalee Lyons, Lindsey Brogdon, Becca DeMoss, Mike Vlk, Trevor Davis, Kenny Banks and Susana Ramos.

After their meal, Rev. Todd Gray, pastor of Central Baptist, gave a brief message, “What would you say if you could address a group of graduating seniors?”

Stephanie Carter said, “Don’t fail at life, like going back to mom’s house.”

Tess Clark replied she would explain how much she loved the group and how much she would miss everyone.

“Care for each other and remember,” Gray said.

Jasmine Wallace said, “I want y’all to remember me too.”

Kenny Banks said, “I would explain how to succeed in life.”

Rev Gray said, “You would talk about how not to be a failure and how to be successful in life. Success is not based on how much money someone makes. You can have millions of dollars and still be unsuccessful at life. If you don’t follow Jesus Christ, you will fail. Remember how to apply yourself with the help of God. You will achieve everything you need in life if you follow God’s will. Focus on how people will remember you. Keep your integrity and principles, so that others will look back on you favorably. One day, you will remember this group you are graduating with and read different signings in your annual. You will remember the ones who wrote nice things to you, instead of just autographs. They will mean something to you one day. Keep God at the center of your life and follow His will.”