Family and friends of nearly 250 graduates gathered at three area schools on Saturday, May 27 for graduation ceremonies.

Milan High School
The traditional processional performed by the Milan High School Band began the ceremony at 10:00 a.m. It was followed by the Star Spangled Banner and a welcome by Principal Michael L. Parks, who officiated the ceremonies in the absence of Superintendent Donald Swisher.

Each of the three co-valedictorians spoke - each with part of the class motto: Adam Baylor, Learn from Yesterday; Sarah Mills, Live for Today; and Joshua Yatsko, Dream for Tomorrow. Megan Lade, salutatorian also addressed the graduating class. The choir performed It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye, under the direction of Dara Stutler. The change of tassel was led by Class President Daniel Fleming. Other class officers were: Joshua Holland, vice president; Joshua Yatsko, secretary; and Megan Lade, treasurer.

The 2006 graduating class from Milan High School chose silver, blue and white for class colors with the flower being a white rose with blue tips.

Jac-Cen-Del High School
The day of ceremonies continued with Jac-Cen-Del having their forty-sixth annual commencement exercises at 2:00 p.m. with a welcome by William Narwold, superintendent, who presented diplomas to the graduates.

The band performed The Time of My Life under the direction of Glenn Unklesbay with choir numbers directed by Sandy Corfman - Like An Eagle and Friends Forever.

The valedictorian address was given by Kyle Horan. Justin Foster was the salutatorian. Marcus Wirth, class president led the turning of the tassel ceremony. The class motto for the 2006 graduating seniors was “One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in, and where you want to go.” They chose silver and purple for their class colors, hibiscus for the class flower and “Our Lives” for the class song.

South Ripley High School
The fortieth annual graduation exercises held at 7:30 p.m. for South Ripley High School seniors rounded out the day for high school ceremonies locally.

The choir performed “Irish Blessing” with the band giving their resounding rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Superintendent Ted Ahaus presided over the ceremony and presented diplomas.
Bridgette Adams and Kevin Geisler gave the valedictorian and salutatorian addresses. Adams led the tassel ceremony. Other officers for the class included: Bethany Vaughn, vice president; Shaina Keck, secretary; and Beth Thieman, treasurer.

The class of 2006 from South Ripley chose silver and navy for their colors and “I Will Remember You” for their song. Their motto was: “Whether it be the best times or the worst times, it’s the only time we’ve got.”