By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Chilton County High School celebrated graduation of its 193 seniors on May 22.

Among the graduates were 15 students who achieved a 4.25 or higher. These valedictorians were Brianna Brown, Anna Calhoun, Brittney Calhoun, Kyla Corley, Jadon Downs Grace George, Anna Horn, Ada Ruth Huntley, Katelyn Johnson, Vongsa Khampharasavath, Emily Lanier, Peyton Martin, Sara Nolen, Josh Reid and Cheyan Wilson. The salutatorian was Andrew Liveoak.

Principal Cynthia Stewart thanked all of the parents, faculty, staff and supporters for encouraging the students to this point.

“I wish you the best,” she told the students.

The graduating class had secured $1.6 million in college scholarships.

Huntley gave the valedictorian speech. She began her speech reflecting on the feelings at the beginning of the school year and how the reality of graduation set in.

She said life after graduation can be “scary and intimating because we are all about to step into a lot of unknowns.”

“Don’t think of this as the end. Think of this as the beginning,” Huntley said. “Today marks the end of one chapter as we prepare to begin another.”

Huntley told students not to let thoughts of their future fill them with fear, but with excitement of new opportunities.

She reminded the graduates of the opportunities they had at CCHS, and that there are more opportunities in the future, if they will take advantage of them.

“If you don’t take advantage of it, you could miss out on something very special. And, if you mess up, somewhere along the way, stand up brush yourself off and try again,” Huntley said.

Success requires courage, she said.

“Make the most of every day, take every opportunity to better yourself,” Huntley said.

Huntley said she was thankful for those who had challenged and encouraged her throughout high school.

“Thank you Chilton County High School for shaping me into the person standing on this stage,” Huntley said.

Graduation was held at the Chilton-Clanton campus of Jefferson State Community College.

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To view additional or purchase photos from the CCHS graduation, visit www.shelbycountyphotos.com.