Members of the Hartselle High School Class of 2016 celebrate their graduation with the old tradition of throwing their mortar boards into the air. Graduation was held Mon., May 23. | Randy Garrison

107th graduation of HHS

Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

The weather cooperated and the sun was shining brightly as the Class of 2016 made their way across the field at J.P. Cain Stadium and took their seats. The graduates received their diplomas and were deemed official high school graduates in front of a full house at the stadium. As they processed in, parents, grandparents, other family members and friends stood in honor of the Class of 2016.

As they sat, Principal Jeff Hyche welcomed all the graduation ceremonies. He recognized the staff at Hartselle High and welcomed elected officials as well as members of the school board and Dr. Vic Wilson. Hyche then proceeded to offer a four-year recap of lessons of life that the students had been privy to over their high school years.  Some include: Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody, it matters what you are doing, read Dr. Seus, every aspect of your life does not have to be on social media, live so that your signature can someday be your autograph, listen to your parents, follow your passions, enjoy all of life’s experiences and remember, you are amazing.

The honor graduates were recognized after the opening remarks by Hyche were made.

Emily Crowe, SGA president, in her speech, encouraged her fellow graduates to celebrate the transition from high school. She also acknowledged the parents and guardians, the faculty and staff at HHS for their positive example, Dr. Wilson, Mr. Hyche, Mr. Young and Mr. Smith for their support as well.

Crowe also mentioned the empty seat in the faculty section in remembrance of Coach Robin Riley.

The valedictorian of the class with a combined four year 106.0 GPA was Seth Ballew. Salutation of the class with a 102.4 combined four year GPA was Mary Jane Wooley.

Ironically Ballew and Wooley were also elected by their fellow classmates to be the Class of 2016 Mr. and Miss HHS.

The combined choirs of Hartselle High, along with the seniors who joined them sang “I Lived,” under the direction of Kate Dupuis, during the graduation ceremony.

Sloan Sittason, class president, during her speech, talked about the group becoming the Class of 2016, when they all came together at Hartselle Junior High. She mentioned the bittersweet move from the 100-year-old campus on Sparkman St., to the new school on Bethel Rd. Sittason also mentioned the class did not achieve all they did on their own.

She mentioned the class developed a strong bond when they camped out at the stadium to secure a spot for their homecoming float. She also mentioned they won the homecoming completion for the first time as a class. “You have provided us with a foundation for a successful future, now we must strive for success,” Sittason commented during here speech. “We must now move onto greater endeavors.”

She also mentioned that it had been an honor and privilege to serve as the Senior Class President and wished congratulations to the Class of 2016.

As guidance counselor, Cory Wilbanks, read the names of the graduates, principal Jeff Hyche handed each student their diploma. Dr. Vic Wilson also congratulated each member of the class as well.

After each graduate received their diploma, Principal Hyche pronounced them official high school graduates. With that, each student moved his or her tassel from right to left.  The senior chorus members then lead the class in one last singing of the Alma Mater as a group. The students then moved to the south goal post to celebrate and proceed with the long held tradition by throwing their mortarboards into the air in celebration of their achievement. The Class of 2016 of Hartselle High has been graduated.