By By Lisa Tindell and Lydia Griimes
Friday evening's rains didn't hamper the spirits of 178 seniors in Brewton and East Brewton.
Class valedictorians and salutatorians addressed their fellow seniors imparting words of encouragement and friendship before each senior received diplomas at their respective schools.
W.S. Neal High School's valedictorian Maggie Crutchfield addressed her fellow classmates explaining she had learned the most important lessons in life from Disney movies.
Ashleigh Jones, T.R. Miller High Schools valedictorian for 2008, told her classmates to be true as they face the future.
Crutchfield's sentiments were similar to those of Jones in keeping family a part of the future.
Jones said the years spent heading to the goal of graduation has seen many ups and downs.
As Crutchfield closed her address, she also said the climb through school has been tough.
Crutchfield quoted famous words by Walt Disney as he realized his dreams letting her classmates know their dreams can become a reality as well.
T.R. Miller's class salutatorian Kelsey Green also addressed the class. Erin Mallet, W.S. Neal class salutatorian also presented an address during graduation ceremonies.
Guest speaker at W.S. Neal's ceremonies was Dr. Paula McKenzie, a 1970 graduate of the school.
Donnie Rotch, T.R. Miller principal, presented diplomas to graduating seniors assisted by Mary Stinson Bell, assistant principal. Top ten seniors were also recognized during the evening.
Phillip Ellis, W.S. Neal principal, presented diplomas to graduating seniors with assistance from Patty Frazier, assistant principal.
T.R. Miller's graduation was held at Woodfin-Patterson Auditorium on the campus of Jefferson Davis Community College, while W.S. Neal's ceremony was held at the school's auditorium in East Brewton.