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C.J. Chatman talks with family and friends after the graduation ceremony for Trinity Episcopal School Saturday at Trinity Episcopal church.

Kailey Hutchins throws her cap in the air after the Trinity Episcopal School graduation ceremony Saturday at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Elena Rodriguez listens during the Trinity Episcopal graduation ceremony Saturday in Natchez.

Valedictorian Brooke Wiley stands as the gospel is read during Trinity Episcopal School's graduation ceremony Saturday in Natchez.

Sloane Young looks up to attempt from crying before walking into the Trinity Episcopal Church Saturday for her graduation ceremony in Natchez.

NATCHEZ — As 13 graduates walked across the altar at Trinity Episcopal Church, they grasped not only their diplomas, but also the beginning of the rest of their lives.

Trinity Episcopal Day School’s class of 2016 salutatorian, Christianna Nicole Ballard, marked the historic point in their lives Saturday as she addressed her classmates at the packed church.

Ballard said she and her classmates had completed their high school careers at Trinity and would soon be leaving home for bigger and better things.

“I believe it’s time to spread our wings and fly,” Ballard said. “As my uncle texted me once, ‘Your wings are out and you’re about to soar. Just remember — you’re an eagle, not a crow.’”

The class of 2016 included six members of the National Honor Society and five honors graduates.

Ballard and Trinity’s valedictorian, Brooke Anne Wiley, both graduated with honors and are members of NHS.

Wiley told her class how she felt personally invested in the future success of each of her classmates.

“Some people say high school is the best years of your life,” Wiley said. “While I doubt that’s true, there’s not a group of people with whom I’d rather spend my high school years.”

Wiley also thanked the parents and faculty members who formed and challenged her over the years.

“I’d like to thank our teachers for constantly pushing us, right up to the edge but never quite over,” she said.

Head of School Les Hegwood also completed his fourth year at Trinity this spring, and said he also feels as if he, too, is graduating as he plans to depart the school soon.

Hegwood plans to attend University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., this fall to pursue a theological degree and a career as an Episcopal priest.

“We are graduating together, going off to school,” he said in his address to the graduates and their friends and families who had gathered in the church on Commerce Street. “Feels pretty great, doesn’t it?”

He shared the story of a time years ago when he walked into the church wearing a seersucker suit. A student told Hegwood he wasn’t sure if he should tell the head of the school he looked really good or just plain ridiculous.

“Life, the United States, Mississippi and Lord knows, Natchez, is like a seersucker suit,” Hegwood said. “A swirling cocktail of really good and just plain ridiculous.”

Hegwood personally addressed each member of the class to share what he loves about each them and what he hopes they can achieve as they grow and mature.

“That’s the great thing about a small school,” Hegwood said after the graduation service. “And it’s easy to say good things about good people.”

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