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CAROLINE HUDSON | DAILY NEWS

Eighty-four seniors took home diplomas Thursday night at Southside High School’s graduation ceremony.

The Seahawks class of 2016 was awarded a combined $1,935,800 in scholarship money. Twenty-nine percent plan to attend a four-year college, 51 percent a two-year college, and the rest intend to either join the military or the workforce.

Principal Dale Cole said he is proud of this year’s graduates and all of their accomplishments.

“The class of 2016 (has) prepared themselves to take their place as successful citizens of this county, state and nation,” Cole said. “I want to thank the parents and the community at large for their support of our school and students. It means so much every year at this time as we celebrate that graduation of another fine senior class together.”

Valedictorian Barbie Doll Moore II and salutatorian Keegan Wiggins addressed the audience with inspiring words, urging their fellow graduates to face the challenges ahead without fear.

“Although we may have been at different stages on our journeys, collectively we all understood that the journey was much bigger than just the total distance covered. It was about making ourselves smarter, stronger and better equipped to make our mark on the world,” Wiggins said.

Moore echoed this sentiment, saying life shouldn’t be taken for granted.

“We must be stronger than the obstacles we face, and to do this, we must become one with hope. What better way is there to live?” she said.

“We will strive to live life to its fullest, to have new adventures and make many wonderful memories along the way,” Wiggins continued in her speech.

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