Amid cheers, a few tears and even the occasional air-horn blast, students at three Concordia Parish high schools collected their diplomas Friday night.

Family and friends crowded the football stands at Vidalia High to watch 76 students graduate. Valedictorian Emily Beard admitted being a bit nervous before her speech, in which she reminded students they must now choose their own paths.

&uot;We have come to a fork in the road Š If we let God be our guide, he will help us choose the right (path),&uot; she said.

Salutatorian Caleb Roberts thanked parents and teachers for their support of the senior class. &uot;I know we’ll succeed, because we have what we need,&uot; he said.

Before diplomas were distributed, school officials and community members presented scholarships and other awards to several students. Senior members of the school’s athletic teams &045; which saw unprecedented success this year &045; were also recognized, including the state champion girls softball team.

Huntington students, parents proud

Parents weren’t the only ones bursting with pride at Huntington School’s Friday night graduation. &uot;I am relieved that this (busy) week has come to a completion,&uot; said senior class sponsor Brenda McIntosh. &uot;But afterwards &045; and when they give their speeches &045; I’ll be sad. With a small class, everyone gets to know each other better.&uot;

That theme carried onto the field as well, with Valedictorian Emily Hazlip and Salutatorian Katie Cole telling their 13 fellow seniors to treasure memories made in the classroom and on the playing field.

&uot;Remember the pride you felt and hold it close, because it will be part of your forever,&uot; Cole said.

But Hazlip said graduates must also embrace the future. &uot;It won’t just fall into your lap, Š but with hard work and dedication, our dreams will come true,&uot; she said.

Scholarship winners included:

4Hazlip, recipient of the Leo Young Sr. Memorial Athletic Award and the Ben Green Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

4Cole, recipient of the Beta Club Scholarship.

4Sarah Ashmore, recipient of the Community Service Club Award.

4Bronson Rhodes, recipient of the Daugters of the American Revolution Award and the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Award.

4Patrick Clayton, recipient of the Founder’s Scholarship.

Monterey students remember classmates

MONTEREY &045; Hundreds of family and friends filled Monterey High’s gymnasium to witness the graduation of 25 seniors &045; an occasion of both happiness and tears.

Salutatorian Hope Lipsey was the first to address her fellow graduates and guests with thoughts of longtime friendships and future endeavors. &uot;We’re no longer innocent kids,&uot; Lipsey said. &uot;We’re heading into the great unknown. … True friendship is something we can count on more than anything,.&uot;

Valedictorian Selena Book rose next to remember three fellow classmates that died last summer. &uot;We as a class came into contact with three individuals,&uot; Book said about Farran Beard, Rebecca Dryg and Danielle Wiley. &uot;Farran lived everyday of her life to the fullest. Rebecca’s determination should be an example for all of us. Danielle could always make you laugh,&uot; Book said.

The class chose the song &uot;I’ll be Missing You&uot; in memory of their former classmates. &uot;They have left footprints on our hearts,&uot; Book said.