By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—“Remember you’re a Pelham Panther, and it’s always a great day to be a Panther,” Principal Robert Lavett said to the 378 members of the 2014 Pelham High School graduating class.

The PHS class of 2014 graduated in front of friends, family, teachers and community leaders at in the packed ice area of the Pelham Civic Complex on May 22. The graduation ceremony was also attended by members of the Pelham and Helena city councils, as well as Pelham Mayor Gary Waters.

“You have made a huge footprint of success,” Lavett said to the graduates, the last class to graduate as a combined Helena and Pelham class.

Of the class of 378, 17 graduated with honor, 18 were recognized as salutatorians, and 18 achieved recognition as valedictorians. In total, the class of 2014 earned more than $4.4 million in scholarships to continue their educations.

Among those who addressed the graduating class were Class President Jessica Lingle and William Hill, the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA.

Hill reflected on the importance of self-confidence, while Lingle performed an acoustic rendition of “Lean on Me” and spoke of the special cohesive nature of the graduating class.

However, each member of the class of 2014 will take a unique path after their high school graduation, many continuing their educations at colleges across the country, some beginning careers and six entering the United States military.

Waters spoke to the class, warning them the coming years would challenge them, their morals and their beliefs, but assured them they will always find support with their family and loved ones.

“As you move forward, we’re interested in your future and we want to hear from you,” Lavett said to the graduates, adding their PHS family is only a “tweet” or “a text away.”