NATCHEZ — Graduating senior Carolyn Dixon waved goodbye to Ferriday High School with 63 fellow graduates Thursday during Ferriday High School’s graduation ceremony.

“Today marks the start for the rest of our lives,” said Dixon, who served as the schools valedictorian. “I know it sounds cliché, but nevertheless it’s true.”

The valedictorian urged her fellow graduates to look forward as they prepare for the real world.

“We have more responsibilities and choices than before, which will also come with consequences,” Dixon said.

Dixon, who plans to attend the University of Louisiana Monroe in the fall to study criminal justice, received a $26,000 scholarship to the school.

Although Dixon was excited, the moment presented itself to be bittersweet.

“It was a good couple of years, but I am happy to have made it to this day to graduate,” Dixon said. “I take nothing for granted.”

Graduating senior Allen Cummings plans on attending Louisiana College to play football where he received a full academic scholarship worth $68,800.

“I know all of my classmates are excited,” Cummings said. “This is our last time being together.”

Salutatorian Desiree Conner reminded her peers to celebrate and explore the future.

“We have finally reached a major threshold in our lives,” Conner said. “We owe a great deal of gratitude to our parents, teachers and other staff that have supported the venture. Now that we have finished our last exams, returned all of our books — we are recognizing that we have gone through Ferriday High.”

Conner said graduation was the beginning of a new type of education.

“The goal is not to make an A on a test, but instead, to pursue personal happiness and fulfillment,” Conner said. “It’s my hope that we will all become successful.”

For her classmates to move forward, Conner offered a bit of advise from her heart.

“Do what makes you happy,” Conner said. “Don’t let yourself be miserable in anyway. Make yourself happy and don’t rely on others to make decisions in your life. Be thankful for everyday you wake up. Do make wise decisions and put your heart into everything you do. You can only accomplish things if you really care about what you are doing.”

The graduating class listened to Conner’s words, knowing tough times are ahead.

But despite the heavy waves that will soon approach, Conner reminded her classmates who to turn to.

“There will be a time, classmates, a time where we will want to sit and cry,” Conner said. “These times come for everyone and not just us. That’s why we must continue to look to God for our strength and guidance.”

Those who graduated with special honor included:

Dixon; Conner; Donovan Bray; Keyonna Gilmore; Tre’Nia Melancon; Marquicha Plains, and Tiesha White.

Those who graduated with honor included:

Jakia Lee; Alexis Mitchell and Trenace Morgan.