By Jacob Holmes

After the opening processional, Zion Chapel’s High School 2016 graduation was light on the pomp and circumstance.

After brief speeches by Salutatorian Cerralee Edmondson and Valedictorian Jordan Turner, the 45 graduates got their diplomas and were celebrating with their friends and families minutes later.

In fact, the celebration lasted longer than the ceremony itself.

“We have an awesome community that wants to be involved in everything,” said Principal Vohn Enloe. “Look around. Nobody wants to leave the field.

“Where I’ve been before, some people might come to open house, but here, everybody comes out for it.

“These students always want to come back and see their teachers and senior sponsors, and we welcome them back with open arms.”

Turner and Edmondson both agreed that community is what they’ll miss the most about Zion Chapel.

“Walking down the hall, I can smile at everybody,” said Edmondson. “I either know them or I’m related to them.”