CHOCOWINITY—Southside High School held its annual commencement ceremony Thursday night, sending 97 grads into the “real world.”

Of the 97 graduates, 58 earned work credentials, enabling them to get jobs in specialized fields straight out of high school. Twenty-eight of the 97 graduated with Honors, having a 3.63 GPA or higher; 14 of those graduated were NC Academic Scholars with a 3.5 unweighted GPA or higher; and 17 graduates received the President’s Education Award. Around 75 percent of the graduating class plans to attend either a two-year college, a four-year university or enlist in the military.

Southside High School Principal Dale Cole welcomed friends, family and special guests for the commencement and gave remarks about the graduating class.

“We can’t wait to see the mark you’ll leave on this world,” Cole said.

Graduate Valerie Hodges gave the Salutatorian address, highlighting the “amazing memories and experiences” shared by her and her classmates over their 13 years of schooling. She joked about how writing the address was an extra homework assignment and gave insight on how athletes, band members and club members had played in their last games, gave their last performances or participated in their last event or club meeting. Hodges also correlated the graduating experience to a song by country music singer Trace Adkins and quoted author Sarah Dessen.

“You left your stamp here,” Hodges said. “You’re gonna miss this. Your past is your past. Even if you forget it, it remembers you.”

The Southside High School band, led by Band Director James Mauser, performed a musical selection from Disney’s “Frozen,” which was a big hit at the ceremony.

Valedictorian Holly Perry spoke to the audience in her address, honoring parents, faculty and staff for helping the graduates achieve and succeed.

“We will walk out of these doors and enter the ‘real world’ for the first time,” Perry said. “Thanks to our parents for being our biggest supporters and it was a pleasure learning from a group of exceptional teachers.”

Perry also gave examples of her interpretation of success, including the ability to handle challenges, finding out what you love to do and doing it and leaving a legacy. She also told her classmates to “never take anything for granted” and to “look to the future for opportunities.”

“Life is never easy,” Perry said. “It is a unique road we each walk. Success is more about the journey than your achievements. The only way to do great works is to love what you do. Your actions define your legacy.”

Beaufort County Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps accepted the Class of 2014 as graduates and Assistant Principal Debra Windley presented diplomas to each before SGA President Kyajia Mourning led her classmates in the turning of the tassels.