With Pomp & Circumstance playing in the background, Italy High School seniors took their last turn around the dome on Friday night. They were a little bit nervous but very ready to go out into the world and begin their future.

The culmination of thirteen years of schooling came together on Friday night as the seniors of Italy High School crossed that fateful stage and graduated.

Principal, Tanya Parker, and Superintendent, Jimmie Malone, agreed all the Class of 2010 had passed the required testing and possessed the criteria of a graduating class.

Along with the tradition of “meeting the mark”, counselor, Cari Cochran, announced the winner of the prestigious Willis Cup—Ivan Roldan. The honor is decided upon by faculty and administration.

Ms. Parker introduced the Distinguished Achievement Program Graduates, which included Brandon Owens, Lexi Miller, Josh Milligan, Jonathan Levy and Ivan Roldan.

Also, in the announcements was the exciting fact of co-valedictorians, Brandon Owens and Alexus Miller. Each gave a wonderful speech to their fellow graduates. Brandon talked about how each ending was a new beginning and how they will always be a part of the Class of 2010.

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

This quote came from co-valdictorian, Lexi Miller. She incorporated the quote with her speech about success evident from each of her classmates. Help coming from teachers, family and others touching their lives in one way or another. Each had left an effect and helped streamlined the graduate’s lives.

HONOR GRADUATES
Zach Hernandez
Megan Hopkins
Cori Jeffords
Jonathan Levy
Lexi Miller
Josh Milligan
Jonathan Nash
Branden Owens
Ivan Roldan
Kelli Strickland
Donald Walton
Brett Webber
Courtney Westbrook
Colin Wilsford
Drew Windham

The end of the program was bittersweet. With hugs and tears, the graduating class sang their class song and hugged a gauntlet of teachers. Goodbyes were hard but yet each senior knew the achievement at hand was just the beginning. Good luck to the Class of 2010!