POPLAR RIDGE - Many of the graduates of the Southern Cayuga High School may be heading off to far away places, but they paid tribute on Saturday to the place that will always be home.

“What place could so many people know each other so well, where an entire graduating class is accepting of each other and each other's differences,” Leigh McGonagle said to her fellow graduating students during the 42nd Southern Cayuga commencement exercise held Saturday at the school. “It is here at Southern Cayuga where our roots are grounded, and where our feet can springboard to anywhere we set our minds to.”

Memories of the special moments that were shared as students persevered from kindergarten through their senior year and beyond to the future were the highlights of the afternoon.

“These past few years for some of us have been long endured and filled with good times, bad times, and sad times,” said Dustin Sorber during his speech. “We are about to continue the long journey through life knowing that we have succeeded in the first step in our lives #- high school.”

The next step for many will be going on to further their education in a college, or even through a career in the military service.

“I know that I am going to college in Morrisville, N.C. at the NASCAR technical institute,” Sorber said. “I leave Southern Cayuga knowing that all of my friends and family have been there for the long haul and will continue to be there for me as I graduate college and get a great job.”

Remembering the many firsts that they have shared along the way was of great importance for McGonagle.

“We were the first to have fourth grade in the new middle school,” she said. “The first to have sixth- and eighth-grade testing, and then went on to be among the first to take the new revised SATs. Let's just say that with all those firsts we are very well prepared to adapt to changes in our futures.”

“It just plain feels pretty good,” said Charles Ryan, who broke his leg during senior activity day and had to use crutches to receive his diploma. “I have been taking automotive technology classes at BOCES and that is what I will be entering Morrisville in the fall to do.”

“It's just great,” added Ryan's father, Patrick. “It's been a long time coming but I still have two more to go through.”

“We are all unique individuals,” McGonagle said. “Headed off to many different walks of life. Let the world be warned #) be prepared #) we are coming.”