Friday marked the end of the high school days for 37 graduates of Ridgemont High School.

Ridgemont High School seniors embrace as they line up for a photo prior to commencement exercices Friday night at the school in Ridgeway. EXAMINER PHOTO | DANICA RISNE

“Tonight you take the first steps on the base of the mountain. Good luck. I wish you the best. Congratulations.”

Valedictorian Katie Copp, daughter of David and Brenda Copp of Mt. Victory, reminded her fellow graduates, “We still have a lot to accomplish in our lives. When I look at the future possibilities of our class, the list is endless.”

Co-salutatorian Lance Poeppelman, son of Mike and Sherry Poeppelman of West Mansfield, said, “Don’t worry about the future, worry about the chances you’ll miss if you don’t try.”

Dustin Scott, co-salutatorian, and son of David and Lori Scott of Belle Center, concluded the students’ comments with: “and in the words of Alice Cooper, ‘School’s out for summer.’”

Superintendent Bruce Gast challenged the graduates to “become leaders so they could control their own destiny in the world.”

Receiving scholarships as announced during the ceremony were Joseph Edward Capehart II, Katie Michelle Copp, Johnna Maran Hamilton, Hannah Hardin, Kyle Williams Hughes, Olivia Elise Ledley, Devin Aubrey Ohler, Lance Tyler Poeppelman, Garrett Dale Schrader, Dustin David Scott, Kelsey Elizabeth Seiler, Samantha Jean Smith, Matthew Kyle VanScoy and Danielle Thomasa Weaver.