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VIDALIA, La. — Vidalia High School Class of 2025 Salutatorian Tierra Hardin couldn’t hold back her emotions while thanking her teachers for the many lessons they’ve taught her through the years leading to Friday’s graduation at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center.

“Especially Mrs. (Neashion) Davis,” Hardin said. “She is one teacher I’ve created a special bond with, and now she’s like a part of my family. I will never forget her. She will always be part of my life —”

Hardin took a breath before continuing to address the 65 students graduating in her class.”I love you guys, and can’t wait to see all the great things you all do,” she said. “Thank you, and congratulations.”

Among these graduates are more than 30 honor graduates.

As much as the classmates reminisced about their time together, they expressed their gratitude for the many people who nurtured them into adulthood, including parents and grandparents.

Britton Whittington praised these figures with the song “Butterfly Fly Away,” a song performed by Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus in Hannah Montana: The Movie that was also co-written by famous composer and songwriter Glen Ballard of Natchez.

Daniela Corrigan, the class Valedictorian, reminded her classmates that success doesn’t always look the same for everyone.

“Success is what you make it,” she said. “So many of us are taking different pathways … whether it be going to college, joining the military or entering the workforce. We’re all forging our own path. … Though each of our paths will look different and we may make mistakes along the way, we, the Class of 2025, are going to be successful.”

Enjoy scenes of the Vidalia High School Class of 2025 graduation ceremony in the gallery below.