Henry Daily Herald

Photo by Elaine Rackley Dutchtown High school class of 2012 practice turning their tassels over to signify completion of their high school years. "The turning of the tassel ceremony" symbolizes a student's transition from candidate to graduate. The tassel is worn on the right side of the graduation cap and then during the ceremony, to the left side.

Thousands of seniors soon will be heading out on their own. High school graduation ceremonies throughout Henry County are the first steps toward their adulthood. 

Friday marked the last day of school for students in Henry County Schools. Seniors in the county’s many private high schools also graduate this month.

An estimated 2,689 students took part in commencement exercises in the public school system, and many more donned caps and gowns from the area’s private schools.

If the new graduates appeared flawless in their participation in graduation services Friday, it is because they rehearsed to make the ceremonies perfect. Many of them endured near 90-degree temperatures, and a relentless sun, to be sure their graduations would go on without a hitch.

Megan Tiu planned to join her Dutchtown High School classmates in their walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. She was one in the school’s senior class of 301 pupils. The class had 34 honors graduates.

Tiu, 18, is a dual-enrollment student at Georgia State University in Atlanta. The honor roll student will continue her university studies in the fall as a film student.

“I really would like to work in the television industry,” said Tiu. “I want to be a producer of a late-night talk show.”

She is one of thousands whose families turned out Friday to high school stadiums in every corner of Henry County to see their loved ones take their final steps out of childhood, into their future as adults.