With caps and gowns in place and their best smiles across their face, graduates from Highwood High School recieved their diplomas in George Lane Park on Friday, June 30th.

The gazebo area was overflowing with excited family and friends as Valedictorian Nicole Steed said she went through a few versions of her speech before getting finding the right theme, but is happy with the journey.

"I'm going to talk about the journey through high school, and what our next journey looks like," said Steed. "Don't stop doing what you love is my theme...I'm really happy with it and I'm really excited to speak."

For her mom, Sharon Liddell, the day was especially bittersweet as her youngest, daughter Nicki graduated, and she had instructions not to cry in front of her daughter or any of her friends - which she said was a bit hard to do, but she was going to enjoy the day nonetheless.

"I'm very emotional. I'm glad she made it through, and sad that my baby is graduating," said Liddell. "Because this is the last one, I'm not going to get to do this again. I'm going to take a few minutes just to enjoy the day and watch her graduate."

It can be a bit tough on the teachers as well as the students they have spent so much time with move on.

HHS Principal Bryan Brandford has only been at the school for a couple of years, but he got to know the graduating class of 2017 very well.

"It is kind of a mix feeling day because you are excited for the kids to be moving on and starting their life and all that stuff, but you are also saddened because you are going to miss them and they are going to be gone."

He adds, "...it's one of those days in life where you talk about the past a little bit here, and you are in the present because you are enjoying the day and then you are thinking about the future."

Mayor Craig Snodgrass told the students they have the High River Advantage on their side, and the lessons they learned over the last four years will help them succeed in life.

"With the High River Advantage and sticking to your values you will achieve the happiness you want in life. Congratulations to all of you."