On Friday, May 29, Rockmart High School held its graduation ceremony sending off 180 graduates from the class of 2009.

Of these 180 graduates, 52 had an overall A average, 120 received the Tech Prep diploma, 55 received a College Prep diploma, 37 received College Prep Plus, 24 received a Dual Seal diploma, 26 received Dual Seal with Distinction, and 50 students graduated with HOPE scholarships.

With HOPE and all other scholarships included, the Class of 2009 has already received over $360,000.

Valedictorian Heather Clark spoke of how school for her and her class has been an adventure with things ranging from bomb threats to the senior prom.

“As we go our separate ways, never forget where you came from,” Clark said. “Now it’s time to see where you’ll go. Whether it’s going right to work or going to college, always set high goals for yourself and strive to achieve them.”

Clark also spoke of growing up with this class and how now they must make the jump to be the men and women they are becoming.

One of her quotes came from Walt Disney, reading, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”

She also thanked everyone’s parents and families for motivating them and pushing them to succeed throughout their high school years.

Salutatorian Skylar Tracey added thanks to the faculty and staff of Rockmart High School for everything that they have done for them and all the help they have been.

Tracey also spoke of how fast everything passed by. She commented that their Freshman orientation seems like it just happened yesterday and now everyone’s sitting on the field waiting to hear their name and receive their diplomas.

She spoke of memories their class will always share, ranging from bomb threats to important academic tests, but how “these memories are the ones that we’ll remember forever.”

She ended with the quote “I wish you all the best of luck.”