Glenvar High School graduated its 52nd senior class on Friday, June 8.

The 130 graduates, all wearing their yellow and green cap and gowns, received their diplomas from Principal Jamie Soltis on the field of Highlander Stadium. The ceremony began at 9 a.m. and guests were encouraged to arrive early to avoid potential parking problems.

Like many parents, Nouthine Sublett could not contain her excitement when she saw her child receive his diploma.

“There aren’t any words to describe just how proud I am of my son David,” she said. “This is certainly a day that the entire family will remember for the rest of our lives.”

All 17-year-old Madilyn Wheeler could think about on graduation day was “just how fast high school came and went.”

“I will miss all of the friendships I have made at Glenvar, as well as all of the wonderful teachers that I had. Principal Soltis is about as good as it gets in my book,” Wheeler said. “I plan to attend the University of Virginia next year. No matter where I go in life, Glenvar will always be a part of me.”

In his speech, valedictorian Andrew James Denton gleefully spoke on what makes his alma mater such a unique place.

“The Avengers might dominate the modern-day box office, but the true heroes that allow Glenvar High School to thrive are the teachers and faculty. They show up to plant the seeds of our future early in the morning and allow us to thrive in our passions and talents until well after the sun goes down,” Denton said. “Beyond simply being kind and compassionate, the art of selflessness from the Glenvar community makes this an incredible place to call home.”

Over 40 percent of this year’s three million graduating seniors will not go straight to college, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics. Noah Duncan has known for months that he will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall.

“College is not for everyone, but it will be part of my journey. The next step for me is UVA. The reason I took more weighted classes this year was to prepare myself for the rigors that will inevitably come in college,” Duncan said. “The thing I will miss most about Glenvar is basketball. I played on varsity all four years, and it was a huge part of my life. The memories and bonds I made with my teammates are priceless, and something that I will remember forever.”

Future Virginia Tech Hokie Nathan St. Clair says it is difficult to grasp the fact that his high school career is over.

“I was surprised at how many people showed up and how much support the crowd gave. They cheered for every single graduate,” St. Clair said. “I plan to attend Tech in the fall and go into the agriculture program. I think I speak for all of my fellow graduates when I say that Glenvar High adequately prepared us for the next chapters in our lives.”