Meridian High School Graduation

Across multiple states, there have been at least three shootings this week at Graduation Ceremonies. Meridian High School made sure to have adequate security to ensure safety. Today the senior class of 2022 had their graduation ceremony.

Family members and friends had to wait in line to go through metal detectors before entering the stadium to attend the ceremony. Graduates weigh in on the recent shootings.

"The shootings that happened are an absolute tragedy. However, I hope that everybody who was affected by it is looking down on us from heaven and congratulating us, celebrating with us," said Valedictorian Shristi Srivastava.

Debreasha Powe, The Salutatorian said, "It's a blessing because I know we lost a friend, too. So to see us finally cross that line, it's a blessing. I'm just thankful."

"I'm just happy, you know, that everybody was safe, that we took the precautions, did it in the morning. So, you know, nothing bad happened or anything," said Graduate Jonathan Vaughn.

The Valedictorian tells us how it feels to be graduating with such a prestigious title as well as what were some of the hardest things for her to achieve.

Shristi Srivastava-Valedictorian

"Right now, I could not be more excited than I am right now. It's amazing. I feel just amazing right now. Getting through my AP dual enrollment classes, they were some of the toughest classes that I've taken, but it was definitely worth it," said Srivastava.

Some of the Graduates already have a game plan for what they are doing in the next chapter of their lives.

"I'm planning on attending State to play basketball and further my education in Communications and Sports Broadcasting," said Powe.

"I'm already signed to Southeastern Louisiana University, I go off to summer school right now on Monday, start our football practice and just start classes and work," said Vaughn.

The Graduating class had 270 graduates with 170 students already committed to a College or University.