FERRIDAY — The Trojan alumni family grew in number Thursday evening, as 69 Ferriday High School seniors tossed their caps into the air and prepared for the next journey in their lives.

For more photos from Thursday’s graduation click here.

“Once a Trojan, always a Trojan,” class valedictorian Bobbie Williams said during her speech. “We are now prepared to take on any obstacles and challenges in our way.

“But whatever your goals are, do not let them end here tonight.”

Proud parents, family and friends shouted and released balloons into the air, as students walked across the stage to collect their diplomas.

And aside from leaving the football field with just a diploma, several students left with an array of scholarships and awards to continue their academic studies.

Class salutatorian Xavier Ellis received scholarship money from several schools in the area, but said he was leaning toward attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe to study English.

“It felt great to walk across that stage knowing that I’m going to be able to continue my education,” Ellis said. “But I don’t want to stop with just college, I want to be the President of the United States.

“If I’m going to dream, I’m going to dream big.”

His mother, Cynthia Marie Ellis, said seeing her son walk across the stage was one of the best moments of her life.

“It just really means everything to me to see all his hard work and dedication pay off,” Cynthia said. “It’s going to be hard to let him go off to college, but we’re going to make it through.

“I’m just so proud of him.”

Williams also received an assortment of awards and scholarship funds to various schools, and said she is still deciding between Northwestern State University and Alcorn State University.

“It’s going to be hard to make a final decision because they’re both really good schools,” Williams said after the commencement ceremony. “I’m just excited and blessed to have these opportunities.”

Her mother, Zilika Williams, said she couldn’t have been happier for her daughter.

“I’m just very proud of her and all her accomplishments,” Zilika said. “She’s worked very hard all her life for this moment.”

But not one to boast of her achievements, Williams said she owes everything to a higher power.

“God made all of this possible,” Williams said. “Now I just have to keep putting in the work.”