NATCHEZ — Josh Usie knows the Monterey High School class of 2013’s bittersweet close to one chapter of their lives is just the beginning of a new chapter.

Usie, the class’s salutatorian, told his fellow classmates at their graduation Saturday that they are in control of their futures.

“It is your life,” he said. “You’re only given one, so live it to the fullest.”

Usie reminisced about the class’ unexpected friendships and mastery of procrastination. He urged his fellow graduated to treasure their last official day as Monterey High School seniors.

“This may very well be the last time we see each other … so it is especially important that we cherish these last moments together,” he said.

Valedictorian Kennedy Poole told her class that they will face many uncertainties in life. They will be handed opportunities, she said, and they will miss opportunities.

“But that’s life,” she said. “We are in control of the path we take.”

Poole said her class’ quote, “The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” by Bertrand Russell is a perfect fit for the class.

People always told Poole to enjoy high school while she could, she said, because it was going to fly by fast.

“I did believe them when they said that because high school seemed to drag on,” she said. “But now I realize they were right because it’s our graduation day, and it’s bittersweet.”

Graduate Ashlea Blake said her friends have made her time at Monterey special.

“We’re all going in separate directions, but we’re all close,” she said.

Drew Lipsey said it seemed all of the years of school had built up to one day.

“It’s all come down to one day,” he said. “We’ve finally made it this far.”

Paige Aswell said while she has enjoyed her time at Monterey, she knows it is time to leave.

“I’m just ready to move on to bigger and better things,” she said.