A sea of royal blue and bright white caps and gowns glided through the hallways of Ross Beatty Junior Senior High School for the last time at the Sunday’s annual commencement ceremony.
Nearly 90 seniors graduated in the school’s gymnasium among family and friends, fighting the unseasonably warm weather. Senior advisor and English teacher Julie Herwick helped ready the class in the library along with science teacher Teresa Wellman. While some were excited to graduate and move onto college courses and newfound freedom, others were nervous.
“I’m going to miss high school a little bit,” Makayla Steele said.
Timothy Coates agreed, saying he will leave for basic training Aug. 27 for the Army.
“It’s scary in some ways,” Coates said. “You know what lies ahead, but you’re not too sure what to expect out of it yet.”
Devin Roberts will also join the Army, leaving for basic training July 23. He said he’s more excited, though, for the future that lies ahead.
“Getting out of high school is the best part,” Roberts said. “I’ve always wanted to be in the Army. I’ll be working to become a Calvary scout, which is considered a baby ranger.”
Other students will head off to a college campus, studying a range of fields. For Malika Malik, it will be neuroscience.
“I’m excited to get started,” Malik said. “I want to eventually become a sports neurologist.”
Pat Keene’s grandson, Thomas, also graduated, something she said was “wonderful.”
“He’s in the special education class,” Keene said. “I’ve told some people that he’s lucky he’s graduating. When he was little, they told us he wouldn’t be able to do anything.”
Thomas not only passed that diagnosis, but exceeded it. He even has his own car that he drove to school during his last week.
“I still followed him to make sure he was OK,” Keene said with a laugh.
For Herwick, who has worked diligently with the students to prepare them for graduation, the day was bittersweet.
“Some I know are so ready to go,” Herwick said. “And then there are some I want to just hold onto.”