Thirty-two graduated Friday night

— Thirty-two students graduated from Decatur High School on Friday night during a ceremony held in the Lloyd Peterson Gymnasium.

The class of 2010 was the 90th class to graduate from the Decatur High School since the first class in 1921, superintendent LeRoy Ortman told the crowd of family and friends attending the ceremony.

“I’m here to tell you there will be many more,” he said, as the crowd erupted in applause and cheers of approval.

Class salutatorian Zhoua Lee addressed her fellow students.

“As your salutatorian I would like to wish you all the best and good luck. Congratulations, class of2010,” Lee said.

A speech by valedictorian Theresa Clements followed. Clements congratulated her fellow students for completing the hard work it took to get to graduation.

Before diploma’s were handed out, students gave yellow roses to their parents and loved ones, along with many hugs and tears.

The program also included a slide show of the students journey to graduation, beginning with baby pictures, followed by many special and sometimes comical moments in their lives.

Following tradition, Ortman introduced the class of 2010 at the end of the ceremony, and students celebrated the moment, ready to begin a new stage in their lives, by throwing their hats in the air.

School News, Pages 8 on 05/26/2010