Karen Hughes was a member of the first graduating class at Ridgeland High School in 1990. Nineteen years later, she is preparing to graduate her second class as principal of Walker County High School.
“We start in elementary school trying to give our students a life story,” said Hughes, who oversees the school of 1,304 students. “Part of that life story is to see that students graduate, so every step along the way, students keep their eye on graduation.”
A tradition at the school is to have freshmen sign a banner committing to graduating. Four years later, each graduate puts a hand print on a second banner that is hung near the first.
The school graduated 91% of its students last year.
“There are a lot of mixed emotions around graduation,” Hughes said. “It is such an exciting time but an anxious time. Some of the seniors are ready and excited while others are anxious and wondering what the future holds.”
Here is a list of graduations for North Georgia high schools:
Ridgeland High
- When: May 23 at 7 p.m.
- Where: McKenzie Arena, 720 E. Fourth St., Chattanooga
- Principal: Karen Hughes
- Class size: 301
- Valedictorian: Molly Thomason
- Salutatorian: Isabel Dickson
Heritage High
- When: May 23 at 7 p.m.
- Where: Jeff Sims Field, Heritage High School, 3960 Poplar Springs Road, Ringgold
- Principal: Ronnie Bradford
- Class size: 294
- Valedictorian: Saulye Nichols
- Salutatorian: Elijah Pehrson
Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High
- When: May 24 at 6 p.m.
- Where: McKenzie Arena, 720 E. Fourth St., Chattanooga
- Principal: Chance Nix
- Class size: 230
- Valedictorian: Tabitha Camargo and Emma Lloyd
- Salutatorian: Jacob Hays
Ringgold High
- When: May 24 at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Don Patterson Field, Ringgold High School, 29 Tiger Trail
- Principal: J.R. Jones
- Class size: 250
- Valedictorian: Allison Kendall
- Salutatorian: Brian Kim
Gordon Lee High
- When: May 24 at 8 p.m.
- Where: Billy Neil Ellis Stadium
- Principal: Michael Langston
- Class size: Information not available from school
- Valedictorian: Information not available from school
- Salutatorian: Information not available from school