Newton Citizen

Valedictorian Robert Hight, Class President Ashley Blackett (center) and Salutatorian Kate Palo take a moment before joining the proceession to march into the stadium to receive their diplomas to give thanks for their high school years. The three addressed the crowd Saturday morning who gathered at Sharp Stadium to see the AHS Class of 2012 graduate. --Staff Photos: Sue Ann Kuhn-Smith

Covington -- Under warm, sunny skies Saturday morning, 317 Alcovy High School seniors made the transition from student to graduate in ceremonies at Homer Sharp Stadium.

Senior class President Ashley Blackett welcomed hundreds of family members, friends and well-wishers as graduation programs became fans and fluttered in the stadium stands.

In her remarks to fellow classmates, Salutatorian Kate Palo reminded students of the accomplishments of the Class of 2012 -- from achievements in academics to achievements in athletics -- which she said made Alcovy one of the most notable schools in the state.

Palo encouraged fellow graduates to work hard to achieve their future goals.

"Work at them with all your hearts; chase your dreams until you reach them," she said.

Palo also challenged the graduating class to continue to work toward a high level of achievement as they leave high school behind.

"Class of 2012, we have made our mark at Alcovy; now let us make our mark in the real world," she said.

Valedictorian Robert Hight quoted writer Henry David Thoreau: "I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."

"Our goals, our dreams are attainable if we advance confidently and build the foundation under them," Hight said.

Principal LaQuanda Carpenter announced that Hight had been named a Gates Millennium Scholar, making him eligible to receive as much as $500,000 in scholarship funding. Hight plans to pursue a medical career.

Carpenter also announced Augustus German Jr. as the winner of the Atlanta Journal Cup.

Carpenter noted that Alcovy's graduating class had received $1.3 million in academic, merit, military and athletic scholarship offers, not including the HOPE scholarship. One hundred seventy-five members of the Class of 2012 are eligible for the HOPE scholarship, Carpenter said.