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 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 High School graduates gather onto the stage for the 2019 graduation ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)