NATCHEZ — Forty seniors celebrated the end of an era at Cathedral High School Friday as the 170th class to graduate from the Natchez school.

While their graduation ceremony may be the last time the graduates are all gathered together, the memories made at Cathedral will bond them forever, valedictorian Emily Hootsell said.

“No matter how far we separate, we will all cherish our memories made here in Natchez,” she said.

The class of 2017 had 30 honors graduates, racked up $7 million in scholarship offers, and will stop at nothing to accomplish their goals, Hootsell said.

Salutatorian Zach Flatmann also encouraged his fellow graduates to never yield at obstacles in the path to success.

“You can do anything you put your mind to,” he said.

Above all, Flatmann said, keep God first.

“From day one, God has had a purpose for us,” he said.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson noted the remarkable tradition of 170 years of Cathedral School.

The Catholic Diocese in Jackson is 180 years old, Kopacz said, and in revisiting the vision of the diocese’s mission, objectives emerged — serve others, inspire disciples and embrace diversity.

“In our church communities, it’s the challenge of bringing together people of various backgrounds, black, white, Hispanic and all newcomers,” he said. “School communities are rich in diversity. … That diversity we speak of comes from God.

“In that spirit, embracing diversity, serving others and inspiring disciples, Cathedral School has been a tradition and a blessing for 170 years.”

Outgoing Cathedral Principal Pat Sanguinetti told the graduates that Friday marked the end of an era for them and the start of an unknown tomorrow.

“Whatever tomorrow brings, I hope we have prepared you to put God first in every way,” he said.