In a night filled with pomp and circumstance, 318 graduates received their high school diplomas during Thursday night’s commencement ceremony at Bainbridge High School.

“I am just incredibly proud of the Class of 2016,” principal Tommie Howell said. “We had a great year of academic and athletic accomplishment.”

Valedictorian Taylor Bush highlighted many of those accomplishments during her commencement address, including the six region championships won by Bearcat and Lady Cat teams this past year and the Quiz Bowl team qualifying for nationals.

“I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize the achievements of my classmates over the past year,” Bush said during her commencement address. “One of the greatest challenges that we have faced while reaching our goals and achieving our dreams is overcoming the reputation that our generation has been given… When I look at my classmates I do not see lazy, self-centered, underachievers. When I look at the 319 graduates sitting in front of me I see champions.”

The ceremony started with a procession of faculty and distinguished guests including the Board of Education members. The graduates then made their grand entrance into the gym.

Maci Barber provided the moment of reflection before the Air Force JROTC presented the colors and Rheagan Henderson led the graduates, and hundreds of friends and family who had gathered, in the pledge of allegiance.

Sawyer Hall welcomed all those who had gathered and then honor graduates Quang Pham and Elisia Everson introduced their fellow honor graduates, who made up a quarter of the graduating class.

Mallie Rollins gave the senior speech and then Bush and salutatorian Grace McIntosh addressed their classmates before the official presentation of diplomas.

McIntosh kept her speech short and sweet and thanked her mother for helping her to study.

The 318 graduates were presented their diplomas by members of the Board of Education before being officially declared graduates of Bainbridge High School by Howell and being asked to move their tassels.

The evening concluded with the playing of the alma mater and a jubilant celebration by the graduates and those gathered.