Dixie Hollins High School

NUMBER OF STUDENTS WALKING IN CEREMONY: 285

VALEDICTORIAN: Carolynn Chin SALUTATORIAN: Stacy Thornhill and Rebecca Anderson

[Times photo: Michael Rondou]

Just before Thursday's commencement ceremony, graduating senior Frank Filmon, 18, spends a moment with his daughter, 1-week-old Hailee Filmon.

SPEAKERS: Anderson, salutatorian (graduate welcome); Jeffrey Haynes, principal; Chin, valedictorian, (class address); Thornhill, salutatorian, (farewell); Lindsey Anderson, senior class president (presentation of class gift).

BEST QUOTE: "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own and you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go," said Rebecca Anderson quoting the Dr. Seuss book, Oh the Places You'll Go. "Class of 2002, we have places to go," she said.

LENGTH OF CEREMONY: One hour 35 minutes

CLASS GIFT: An engraved table in the cafeteria. The class also donated the funds remaining in their account to the drama club.

SCENES AND SIGHTS: Graduates were literally dancing across the stage.

SEPT. 11: Haynes said the Sept. 11 attacks "crystalized our dedication to defend our freedom and I commend those of you entering the military.".

CELL PHONES: Someone's cell phone rang during the Pledge of Allegiance.

TOTAL LENGTH OF SPEECHES: 12 minutes

AVERAGE TIME OF HANDSHAKE: Three seconds.

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