News Photo by Julie Goldberg Hillman High School graduates Amanda Dittenber, Brandy Alexander, Kristen Kenyon, Cheyenne Gardner and Savannah Chambers share a parent tribute during graduation on Sunday, where they thanked all the parents for helping the graduates throughout their time in school.

HILLMAN — Hillman High School valedictorian Andrea Taratuta told her fellow graduates they were in school for 1,256 days waiting for graduation to finally come and on Sunday, after those 1,256 school days, Taratuta and 33 other students graduated from Hillman High School.

Class President Caine Hunt opened graduation by saying that every graduate has been pushed through countless challenges, whether it was academic, athletic, or personal and have overcome every obstacle.

A video slideshow was shared showcasing baby pictures of the students and photos of different memories the students all had.

Salutatorian Stewart Brown thanked his fellow graduates and the staff members for being an inspiration to him. He also told the graduates to stay humble with whatever they do.

Taratuta said they are all filled with more than just excitement about graduation.

“We are filled with heartache for the people we are leaving behind, but better yet, we are filled with happiness for the memories we had together,” she said. “Most of us have been friends since preschool and we’ve experienced pain and joys together. We are young adults ready to tackle what else comes.”

A parent tribute took place as graduates Amanda Dittenber, Brandy Alexander, Kristen Kenyon, Cheyenne Gardner, and Savannah Chambers thanked all the parents for helping them with everything throughout their time in school. Each graduate then gave their class flower, the orange gerbera daisy, to their parents as a thank you.

Each graduate had their names called one-by-one to receive their diploma and they all had their tassel moved to the left by Class Advisors Shelia Kolcan and Debbie Banks.

All the graduates threw their caps in the air and then left the junior/senior high school gymnasium as Hillman alum.

Julie Goldberg can be reached via email at jgoldberg@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.