As the 2016 school year comes to a close, the Highland Home School Flying Squadron seniors prepare to take flight into the world.

This year’s salutatorian Amber Sipper spoke to her graduating class on the importance of following their dreams and not limiting themselves.

She recalled the amazing times they had all spent together over the years, and had but one word that came to mind regarding her classmates: humor.

“When I think of this class, one word comes to mind: humor. As a class, we are constantly laughing, but not always at the most appropriate times,” Sipper said.

“Looking back, we’ve all grown and changed. In years to come I know we will experience many new things. I hope that just like throughout high school, we are all there to support each other.”

Sipper said that though they were a small class in a small town, that had only helped strengthen the bonds of their relationships, and it is her hope that this bond will continue long after high school.

Many scholarships were awarded to this graduating class, and the total amount came to $726,611.

Valedictorian Darion Means took the stage for the last time in his high school career and challenged his classmates to remember that their identities are not made in high school, but instead out in the real world.

“High school has been that awkward journey from childhood to adulthood that’s included some of our most embarrassing moments and some of our best. Classmates, I ask a favor of you and that’s to not let high school define who you are,” Means said.

“There’s a whole new world out there apart from this small school and it’s important that you go and explore it. Although high school is significant, who you were in high school doesn’t have to be who you are after. Everyone is good at something, and it’s important to find out what that is. Take the journey to discover what you love and don’t settle for any less, because you deserve it.”