By Mary Kathryn Carpenter

NATCHEZ — The Natchez Convention Center might as well have rolled out the red carpet for Natchez High graduates Friday.

Handmade signs were waved in the air, friends and family stood atop chairs to take pictures and cheers rang through the room.

As graduation began, a theme began to emerge among the speeches of the salutatorians, the valedictorian and other speakers.

They spoke of closing chapters and facing the challenges that come with starting a new one.

Co-Salutatorian Kenya Davis encouraged her classmates to not let the challenges bring them down.

“You will have setbacks,” Davis said. “Just remember, there will always be a brighter day.”

Co-Salutatorian Allison Sullivan also had some encouragement to share with the class of 2015.

“Believe that our education has prepared you for what lies ahead,” Sullivan said. “We have acquired the skills and knowledge to overcome our fears and obstacles.”

Little did the class know, the first obstacle would occur as Aaron Cornelius took stage.

As Cornelius uttered the first sentences of his challenge to the class, an errant elbow found a light switch, and plunged the entire auditorium into darkness.

After a few screeches from a surprised audience and a little fumbling in the dark, the lights were back on and Cornelius resumed his speech.

Cornelius ended his speech with a phrase to lift spirits and change day-to-day attitudes.

“Don’t ask ‘why me?’” Cornelius said. “Instead, say ‘try me.’”

Damien Henderson took the stage next. He had the crowd laughing almost to the point of falling out of their seats.

However, Henderson had some wisdom to bestow on classmates as well.

“If life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade,” Henderson said. “Then, find someone whose life has given them wisdom and understanding, and learn from it.”

To finish off the ceremony, before diplomas were given out, Henderson delivered his own rendition of ‘I Won’t Complain’ by Paul Jones.

“I’ve had some good days, I’ve had some hills to climb, I’ve had some weary days and some sleepless nights,” Henderson sang. “But when I look down, and I see those diplomas sitting on that table, I just say thank you Lord.”

Natchez High School presented 189 diplomas to the Class of 2015. Of the 189 students, 43 we honor graduates.