VINCENT –Balloons that read “congrats” floated beside every Vincent Middle High School graduate as he or she walked across the VHS gymnasium on the evening of Monday, May 22.

According to counselor Jessica Gandy, the balloons were both a senior class prank and the continuation of a school tradition.

“They give the principal something every year,” Gandy said.

The VMHS JROTC began the ceremony by presenting the American flag. Graduates Shantell Skinner and Shai Partridge led the Pledge of Allegiance.

As Senior Class Sponsor Allison Davison welcomed friends and family to the ceremony, she noted that the students in the class of 2017 hold a special place in her heart.

“I’ve watched these kids since they were in the ninth grade, and I am going to miss them dearly,” Davison said.

Senior class vice president Madison Allred and secretary Margaret Ross encouraged their fellow graduates to make good choices in life, and salutatorian Hannah Crowder advised her classmates to be examples of Jesus wherever they went.

During her address, valedictorian Kaylee Littlefield thanked her teachers, family and fellow graduates for all their help.

“Thank you, mom and dad. I wouldn’t be standing here without you,” Littlefield said. “Thank you to the teachers who have taught me through my time here. I believe we have the best teachers.”

She also recounted some of her favorite memories from her time at Vincent Elementary School and VMHS.

“It feels like just yesterday that we were touring the middle school as fifth graders,” Littlefield said.

During the graduation ceremony, approximately 56 VMHS seniors received their diplomas.

To conclude the ceremony, Principal Michele Edwards gave closing remarks and choir director Amy Lee led students, faculty and visitors in singing the school’s alma mater.