1 of 7

Graduates file into St.Marry's Basilica before the Cathedral Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Parents and family members photograph Cathedral Graduates Friday during the 2019 Graduation Ceremony at St. Mary's Basilica. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Graduates file into St.Marry's Basilica before the Cathedral Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Graduates talk Friday at St. Marry's Basilica before the Cathedral Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Jean Biglane hugs Molly Hinson Friday at St. Marry's Basilica before the Cathedral Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Ty Bertelsen greets other graduates Friday at St. Marry's Basilica before the Cathedral Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

MarKayla Fleming and Baylee Graning put their shoes on Friday at St. Marry's Basilica before the Cathedral Graduation Ceremony. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — The pews beneath the flying buttresses inside St. Mary Basilica were filled to capacity Friday evening as 49 Cathedral High School students graduated.

“It’s amazing,” said Hannah Mire, 2019 Cathedral High School salutatorian as she and her classmates prepared for the ceremony in the basement of the church. “I’m proud of myself and the rest of my class.”

Mire said she has attended Cathedral since the sixth grade and most of the class members had been together at least that long.

Mire, 17, the daughter of Jennifer and Blaine Mire, plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi in the fall to study bio medical science, she said.

“I plan to give them a little motivational push to strive for success later in life,” Mire said of her salutatory speech.

Valedictorian, Samuel Freiberger, 18, said he has been with the class since kindergarten.

“Tiring,” Freiberger said of graduation day as he worked to get his cap and gown prepared for the ceremony amidst the bustle of his fellow classmates. “It has been four years of high school.”

Freiberger, son of Terry and Katie Freiberger, said he plans to attend Columbia University in the fall to study physics and would like to pursue a master’s degree in physics as well.

“It is extremely exciting,” Freiberger said of graduation day and looking toward the future.

In his valedictory speech, Freiberger acknowledged the shared experiences of the classmates and thanked the teachers and staff for their guidance.

More News

BRIGHT FUTURE: Early College student outscores most on SAT test

‘A lot of people watching this one’: Speedy Eats’ new food technology could be operating in weeks

Freedom marker honoring Deacons for Defense and Justice is installed

Natchez loses former banker, city clerk in death of Donnie Holloway