JAY – Jay High School’s Class of 2008 graduated on Sunday in the school’s gymnasium.

The ceremony began with a welcome speech from class Vice President Jen Cote, who urged her peers to “Shoot for the stars.”

Of 58 graduating students, 36 received community scholarships totaling $223,000 toward the costs of their college education.

Salutatorian Kaitlyn Webster saw the graduation as “a welcoming to the new and fresh taste of freedom.” She ended by telling her classmates, “May we take pride in our accomplishments.”

The ceremony also included a spectacular performance of Incubus’ song “Drive” by graduates Nick Rier and Matt Robitaille.

Valedictorian Katlyn Nemi said in her speech that “This is our day to shine – the end of our high school careers is just the beginning of the next step.”

Before she left the podium, Nemi announced, “Congratulations graduates, we did it!” answered by cheers and applause from her fellow graduates and the audience.

Principal John Robinson and Vice Principal Kenric Charles gave the students their diplomas, and the ceremony concluded with a recessional by the school band.