By Mollie Beth Wallace

The Natchez Democrat

MONTEREY — As the seniors of Monterey High School took their place on the gymnasium stage, their excitement was juxtaposed with the sorrow for the loss of their classmate, Sara Finley Morgan, who died April 26.

Morgan’s portrait stood to the left of the stage, and the seniors each placed a single rose in front of it.

Kirsten Blake, MHS salutatorian, encouraged her classmates to remain optimistic in the face of tragedy.

“Keep a smile on your face, and don’t forget to laugh,” she said.

Fighting back tears, Blake lamented the goodbyes that she would soon make to her friends.

“Don’t take anyone for granted,” she said. “You never know when they will be gone.”

Valedictorian Rea Grimmett anticipated the bittersweet emotions that graduation brings.

“Our class actually had a running bet on which parent would cry first,” she joked.

Challenging her class to strive for success, Grimmett reminded her classmates of their new responsibility.

“No more asking Momma or Daddy for permission,” she said. “We are on our own.”

Members of the class of 29 students received several collegiate scholarships, both academic and athletic, from schools including Baylor University, Louisiana State University at Alexandria, Louisiana Tech and the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

With tassels moved and diplomas in hand, the class of 2012 celebrated outside their former school in the afternoon heat.

Excited to be an alumnus, Brett Wright said his favorite memory from high school was receiving his diploma.

Further down the sidewalk, Justin Stevens said he enjoyed singing and playing the guitar and piano in high school.

“I plan on being a musician,” he said.

With high school behind her and a bright future ahead, the class valedictorian reminded her peers to take charge of their own lives.

“Monterey High School has prepared us in so many ways to go out into the world and make a difference,” Grimmett said. “Don’t take it for granted.”