FERRIDAY, La. — As they celebrated one of the most memorable moments of their lives, Huntington School’s 20 graduates also took time to thank those who helped them achieve that goal — their parents.

Just before walking across the stage to get their diplomas, the graduates rose from their seats to take white roses to their parents, who were seated at the edge of the football field. And along with the roses came plenty of hugs, smiles and tears.

Despite the things graduates have learned from their family, teachers and other mentors, graduates will learn their most valuable lessons from live itself, Valedictorian Bridget Anders said in her speech to the crowd that filled the field’s bleachers. &uot;Where one stumbles, one finds chances to learn and grow. To rise above (obstacles), one must dare to hope,&uot;&160;said Anders, who learned that lesson firsthand when she was diagnosed with a heart malfunction early in the year.

Earlier, Salutatorian Megan Lee McGlothin spoke of the importance of dreaming big.

&uot;Though many of us are scared, we know we can achieve whatever we set our minds to,&uot;&160;she said. &uot;Maybe we can’t do everything, but we can still do something.&uot;

Others couldn’t quite find the words to express their joy following the ceremony. &uot;It feels … great,&uot; said Tom Milliken, who will now go on to study pre-medicine at Louisiana State University.

In all, 12 scholarships and awards were given to five graduates during the ceremony. Ten graduates qualified for Louisiana’s TOPS scholarship program, said Headmaster Russ Green.