Ferriday High School Valedictorian Meinyaun Smith gives a speech for her fellow graduates Thursday during the Ferriday High School Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Family and friends of graduates hold balloons during the ceremony Thursday during the Ferriday High School 2019 Graduation ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Salutatorian Nayia Calhoun speaks to her fellow graduates Thursday during the Ferriday High School Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

The 2019 Ferriday graduates listen during a speech by their Valedictorian, Meinyaun Smith Thursday during the Ferriday High School Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Demcorat)

The 2019 Ferriday graduates sit together Thursday during the Ferriday High School Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Demcorat)

The 2019 Ferriday graduates listen during a speech by their Valedictorian, Meinyaun Smith Thursday during the Ferriday High School Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Demcorat)

Ferriday High School Valedictorian Meinyaun Smith gives a speech for her fellow graduates Thursday during the Ferriday High School Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Family and friends of graduates hold balloons during the ceremony Thursday during the Ferriday High School 2019 Graduation ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

The 2019 Ferriday graduates sit together Thursday during the Ferriday High School Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Demcorat)

People fill the the stadium at Ferriday High School during the 2019 Ferriday High School Graduation Ceremony Thursday in Ferriday. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Nicho'lous Davis sits with other graduates Thursday during the 2019 Ferriday High School Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)