Amherst County High School salutes 355 graduates

Valedictorian: Allyssa Knight

Salutatorian: Kayla Johnson

Number of Graduates: 355; 18 GED graduates

Speakers: Blake Miller, senior class president; Allyssa Knight, valedictorian; Kayla Johnson, salutatorian; Ernie Guill, principal

Quotes: “No matter where our future takes us, Amherst will be in our hearts,” Miller said.

“Life is much too precious and too short to waste it being unhappy,” Johnson said.

“The world awaits our drive and determination to make it a better place,” Knight said.

“I encourage you to enjoy yourself responsibly and think about your loved ones,” Guill told graduates after encouraging them to make smart decisions.

Sights and Sounds: Two lines of graduates simultaneously marched down the Vines Center’s steps. As the class of 2009 walked proudly across the floor they were dressed in white and maroon robes adorned with different color cords denoting various academic achievements. The mood was light and the crowd enthusiastic as the students made their way to their seats.

Once seated, it was only minutes before bright, multicolored beach balls appeared in the hands of seniors. They were tossed gently among the various rows of graduates. At one point, an inflatable doll even popped up and was passed among the grads.

Perhaps the ceremony’s most sentimental moment was when Guill recognized a special grad — Marian Almond. The 80-year-old earned her GED and when she collected her diploma she received a standing ovation and a heartfelt hug from Guill.

Notable: Amherst County Schools Superintendent Brian Ratliff played two roles at Thursday evening’s commencement ceremony.

He was superintendent, and dad. Ratliff’s daughter, Rebekah Ratliff, was among those to graduate. The honors student received her diploma from Guill before sharing a hug with her father.