Monterey graduates excited, nervous about what lies ahead
Published 11:03 pm Saturday, May 18, 2019
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Monterey High School Valedictorian Mallory Barlow reads over her speech Saturday before the 2019 graduation ceremony at Monterey High School. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)
Monterey High School Salutatorian Hunter Lipsey reads over his speech Saturday before the 2019 graduation ceremony at Monterey High School. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)
Monterey High School graduates gather onto the stage for the 2019 graduation ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)
Monterey High School graduates sit together and take photos before the ceremony Saturday at Monterey High School. (Nicole Hester The Natchez Democrat)
Monterey High School graduates Jewel Drummer helps Madison Passman with her cap Saturday before their 2019 graduation ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)
Monterey High School graduates wait together before the ceremony Saturday at Monterey High School. (Nicole Hester The Natchez Democrat)
Family and friends of Monterey High School graduates sit together before the ceremony Saturday at Monterey High School. (Nicole Hester The Natchez Democrat)
Monterey High School Valedictorian Mallory Barlow smiles as she walks out to the stage Saturday during the 2019 graduation ceremony at Monterey High School. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)
Susan Bradford, grandmother of the valedictorian, Mallory Barlow, reminds one of the graduates to breath Saturday before the Monterey High School 2019 Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)
MONTEREY — Friends and family members of 23 graduating seniors filled the Monterey High School gymnasium Saturday afternoon as the graduates decked in caps and gowns proceeded to the stage with “Pomp and Circumstance” playing over the loud speakers.
“It is really scary and exciting,” said Mallory Barlow, class valedictorian of graduation day. “It is sad to leave everybody behind that I’ve known for so long.”
Barlow, daughter of Lane and Donnah Barlow of Monterey, said most of the graduates had been through school together since P-K.
Barlow said she plans to go to Louisiana State University at Shreveport in the fall to study cellular and molecular biology with a concentration on pre-med.
In her valedictory speech Barlow said the relationships built in Monterey shaped the classmates into who they are today.
Salutatorian Hunter Lipsey, son of Jennifer and Glenn Lipsey of Monterey, said the day was a happy, sad day.
“There is a lot of excitement in looking forward to the future,” Lipsey said, “but it also is a time of sadness. It is probably the last time we will all be together. It is a happy, sad moment.”
Lipsey said he plans to attend Mississippi State University in the fall to pursue a degree in agronomy.