Newton Citizen

COVINGTON - Hundreds of graduating high school seniors - and their families - are either extremely nervous or excited this week.

Following 13 years - and sometimes more - of homework, final exams, field trips and friendships, many students will head off to the next phase of their life, whether that means going away to college, joining in the U.S. military or working close to home.

Eligible seniors in the Newton County School System will graduate Saturday in three separate ceremonies.

Eastside High School

Eastside High School students will be the first class of 2009 to graduate this weekend.

The school will hold its graduation ceremony at 10 a.m. at Church in the Now, which is located at 1877 Iris Drive S.E. in Conyers.

The students participating in the graduation ceremony must attend graduation practice at 12:30 p.m. today at the church. At the practice, students will be given their seven graduation tickets that guests must have to enter Saturday's ceremony.

Alcovy High School

Alcovy High School's graduating class will march at 1 p.m. Saturday in the school's gymnasium.

Students must attend a mandatory graduation practice from 4 to 6 p.m. today in the gym, where they also will receive their eight graduation tickets - six for gym seating and two for auditorium seating.

Newton High School

The graduating Rams of Newton High School will participate in their ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday.

It also will be held at Church in the Now, a first for the school.

The school held its graduation practice Thursday at the church, where students received their six tickets to graduation.

All graduation guests, including infants, must have a ticket to enter graduation ceremonies.

Students are asked to dress as they were informed during their graduation practices and arrive at the specified time before the ceremonies begin so they will be allowed to walk during the events.

More information about Newton County's graduations is available at the schools and on the NCSS Web site, www.newtoncountyschools.org.

Michelle Floyd can be reached at michelle.floyd@newtoncitizen.com.