HUGHESVILLE – It was a proud moment for the 145 graduates at the Hughesville High School Friday evening. Valedictorian Amanda MacTarnaghan reflected on this pride as well as perseverance, respect, integrity, discipline and excellence as she addressed her fellow classmates at the annual outdoor ceremony. MacTarnaghan referred to the acronym as the “school’s mantra.”

“The beauty of PRIDE is that we can take it with us,” she said. She elaborated how the school has taught each of these values, preparing seniors to take on the world.

“Everyone in our senior class has the ability to succeed,” MacTarnaghan said. “Anyone can be mediocre, but it takes true character to go above and beyond.”

Also speaking at the ceremony were class salutatorian Hannah Avery and class president Joshua Fry.

Avery advised everyone to wear sunscreen, remember their family, and not worry about the future too much.

Fry matched his address to the occasion, citing 14 unique facts about the class of 2014. He counted down from 14 to the number of seniors involved in various activities, concluding that there is only one Hughesville class of 2014. Fry reminded his classmates that this was not the end of their life’s journey, but only the beginning.

School board President Richard L. Michael and class advisor Michele Beck presented the 139 graduating seniors with their diplomas.

Following the presentation of diplomas, two representatives from the class, Emmalyn Voneida and Nathan Seabridge, came forward to dedicate the 2013-14 yearbook to retiring science and tech education teacher, William Carroll.

Voneida described Carroll as “someone with characteristics that represent Hughesville High School as a whole.”

“This is a perfect moment of potential energy,” Carroll said. “When this ceremony ends, the next journey begins.”

The high school band played “Pomp and Circumstance” and and the recessional “Triumphal March” from “Aida.”