Where:

Wallace Wade Stadium, Mount Airy High School

When:

Saturday, June 12, 2010, at 9 a.m.

Number of graduates:

125

Speaker:

Rachel Harris, valedictorian

What the speaker said:

“I, along with several of my classmates, are CPR and first aid certified and will be happy to help you.” - in reference to anyone passing out because of the heat

The Bear Pride cheer

What the graduates said:

“A few weeks ago, perhaps late, I realized I had been living life in a way that is not enjoyable.”

-Wade Lewis, salutatorian

“We can’t go through life always taking ourselves seriously.”

-Wade Lewis, salutatorian

What got the most laughs:

“Hello, my name is Wade Lewis and I’m a nerd.”

-Wade Lewis, salutatorian

“Mrs. George — I’ve never once violated the dress code. I just have really long kneecaps.”

-Rachel Harris, valedictorian

“Never underestimate your fertility.”

-Rachel Harris, valedictorian, in giving advice to soon-to-be college freshmen

What the graduates did:

Tossed their caps in the air and sprayed silly string.

Overheard:

“Ohhh! That’s a good idea!”

-Attendee upon seeing people with umbrellas

“Whew! It’s starting to get hot.”

Parents’ comments:

“We’re sitting out here in the sun baking. Where are you?”

-parent on a cell phone trying to locate other family members

“You better look at me or I’ll embarrass you!”

-parent to a graduate as they filed toward the stage

“Thank You God!”

-after a graduate walked across the stage

Recognitions:

Bear Pride Award presented for the first time to Ty Hull and Alexandria Leonard

Nicole Corns completed all the necessary tests and course work to receive certification to work in a daycare

Students in the class of 2010 received $1,432,959 in scholarships with students attending colleges or universities from Surry Community College to Brigham Young University.

A single red rose was placed on the seat that would have belonged to Taylor Simmons, who died in 2004 after collapsing during a P.E. class at Mount Airy Middle School.

Who was notable in attendance:

Dr. Darrin Hartness, Mount Airy City Schools superintendent

Bryan Taylor, Mount Airy City Schools assistant superintendent

Wendy Carriker, Mount Airy City Schools Board of Education chair

Tim Matthews, Mount Airy City Schools Board of Education vice chair

Kate Appler, Mount Airy City Schools Board of Education member

Allen Burton, Mount Airy City Schools Board of Education member

Mike Hiatt, Mount Airy City Schools Board of Education member

David Rowe, Mount Airy City Schools Board of Education member

Phil Thacker, Mount Airy City Schools Board of Education member