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Seniors plunge into world

Into the real world they dive, as the 21 high schoolers graduate at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter.

ST. PETERSBURG - "Do justice, have mercy and walk humbly. God grant you the peace of a good life," the Rev. C. Christopher Thompson told 21 graduating Canterbury School of Florida seniors Wednesday night.

The Canterbury School commencement at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter was filled with prayer, song and laughter from students, faculty, alumni, family and friends.

"I'm 24 years old, and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up," said Allison Park Savage, who graduated from Canterbury in 1997 and has since earned her bachelor's degree and traveled the world.

She urged the graduates to keep their eyes and hearts open, no matter where life takes them.

"Free at last, free at last, thank God, we're free at last," said an emotional Ashley Nichole Todd, the class salutatorian. "We are about to enter a world of uncertainty and new discoveries, whether we're ready or not. Nothing in life is guaranteed, so go for it. It's been real, and it's been fun."

Valedictorian Clarence Edward Ray, also the recipient of the school's William R. Hough Award given to the senior making the greatest contribution to the school, was equally emotional, breaking down in tears several times during his speech.

"We've all had different upbringings, but we are truly family," he said. "We've been there for each other. We've had our tiffs. We've had times when we haven't talked at all. We are at the precipice of the real world. Are you guys ready? Let's take the plunge."