MORAVIA - Anticipation, excitement and bittersweet sadness filled the air as members of the Moravia High School graduating class prepared to receive their long-awaited diplomas Friday night.

“It's been a long road,” said class president Nicole Lefever, during the Moravia High School 2008 commencement ceremony held at the school's athletic complex. “But we have finally made it and now we are ready for the next step.”

Reflections on the good times, the bad and especially the struggle were the topics shared by many graduates and their guests.

“I am very proud,” said Chastity Gould, mother of graduate Leefree Petty. “He has really come a very long way.”

Gould, along with Petty's stepfather, Nate Weatherspoon, said that he is the first in four generations on both sides of his family to graduate.

“We are all so very proud of him,” said Petty's aunt Jennifer Swan. “This is a big milestone in his life.”

Moravia High School interim principal Teresa Palmer said, “I've had the pleasure to watch these students change and mature.”

“They have made many positive gains to reach this milestone and they should be very proud of themselves.”

In an age where dropout rates are skyrocketing, 66 seniors earned diplomas from Moravia, welcoming the journey ahead wherever it may take them.

Several students were presented with exceptional honors and scholarships for character and dedication.

Charles Schillawski was awarded a scholarship in honor of Koryn Badman, a sophomore at Moravia who died of primary pulmonary hypertension April 2. This award is given to a student who has overcome adversity and displays a positive attitude and enthusiasm toward succeeding.

Lefever received the Fitts Hose Co. award for creative ability in art. Valedictorian Joseph Weeks received the Moravia Forest Owners Association scholarship, given in memory of Stephen Davison to a senior enrolled in a forestry, surveying, landscaping or other related field.

Class notes

Valedictorian: Joseph Weeks

Salutatorian: Katie Stayton

Graduating class: 66