FERRIDAY — A rainbow arched across the Ferriday High School football field as graduating senior Jessica Jackson shared a harsh reality with her fellow graduates.

“After today, I may not see many of you, so it’s a bittersweet moment,” Jackson said, as storm clouds passed over the field Thursday evening. “Some of us will venture in higher education, some of us will join the military and some of us will seek employment opportunities, but I hope we all will become respectful citizens in our communities across the nation and abroad.”

The salutatorian urged her fellow graduates to take the time to thank parents and guardians who might have helped them get to where they are today.

“You have all had a profound impact on all the students graduating tonight,” Jackson said. “This is surely a significant and life-changing event in all our lives.”

Jackson, who plans on attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe in the fall, said the moment was truly bittersweet for her.

“It feels great to have graduated, but it’s sad that I’ll be leaving some of my friends behind,” she said after the commencement ceremony. “I’m going to miss all of my classmates and friends.”

Jackson was among 76 FHS students who received a diploma Thursday.

Two former students — Michael Griggs and Kenya Cauley — were also honored at the ceremony when their families were presented with an honorary plaque.

Griggs died in 2008 when he was riding his four-wheeler on Levens Addition Road and was hit by an 18-wheeler.

Cauley died last year after being shot by a Ferriday man, while the two were reportedly playing a game involving guns.

Valedictorian Kiana Henderson said the class of 2013 was more resilient than most for having endured losing two of its members through the tragic accidents.

“To Michael Green, we miss you and know you are smiling down on us today,” Henderson said. “Let’s savor this one moment in time, but don’t linger on it because it’s only one step on the road ahead.

“Today is our day.”