Pike County High School held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2010 Wednesday, leaving many optimistic, hopeful and slightly sad.

The home side of the school’s football stadium was filled with family, friends and community members, all there for the graduates’ special day.

Valedictorian Shayla Terry, said she was “sad and happy all at the same time.”

The graduation had no keynote speaker, but the audience was able to absorb the words of both the valedictorian and the salutatorian as they made their addresses to the crowd.

“The easy way is for losers . . . .We must move forward,” Terry said. “Never be afraid to succeed.”

Megan Lemke gave the salutatory address, challenging her classmates to succeed.

Martha Harden, a social studies teacher and senior sponsor for the class of 2010, said the class has a “tremendous amount of potential,” and she can see a lot of the students in the graduating class going off to be successful.

“They’re a very kind hearted and caring group of young people,” Harden said. “They care about one another.”

Brendalin Harper, a part of the graduating class, said though she will miss everyone in her class, it’s time to say goodbye.

“We’re a family,” she said. “It’s going to be hard leaving everyone, but we have to go our separate ways.”

“We will always remember this moment,” said graduate Stinson McCain.

An empty seat adorned with a graduation gown was placed on the field in honor of a classmate who died last year.

Jared “Bubba” Snell, who died unexpectedly from heart problems, was in the hearts of many in the graduating class.

“He was a very loved young man,” said Harden. “A big guy with a big heart who had a lot of plans for his life.”