In a ceremony that emphasized its many traditions, Andalusia High School graduated 86 members of the Class of 2012 in commencement exercises Friday night.

In his valedictory address, Stephen Caton said the Class of 2012 has woven its thread “into the giant cloth that is Andalusia High School.”

“From our years as freshmen to seniors, the influence of our high school days has taught us to enter the world with the traditions of loyalty, excellence, and perseverance taught to us here at Andy High, as well as to strive to make a difference and meet the challenges of an ever-changing world,” he said.

AHS has instilled in the class of 2012 a “Tradition of Excellence,” Caton said.

“Our class has excelled in every area of activity including academics, organizations, and athletics. Our class strives to do the best we can at everything in which we participate; we truly glorify and exemplify the tradition of excellence,” he said. “As a fourth generation graduate, I have heard many stories from my family members about their ‘glory days’ at Andy High,” adding that he hopes his class can live up to the expectations set by its predecessors.

“We must convey our traditions out into the world, thus fulfilling our duty to our Alma Mater,” Caton said. “Andalusia is a place like nowhere else in the world; we are steeped in tradition and proud of our heritage. As soon to be alumni, I challenge you to honor and perpetuate our traditions of loyalty, excellence, and perseverance.”

Salutatorian Samantha Hill, who joined the AHS Class of 2012 as a freshman, said AHS has changed each member of the class, just as each class member has an opportunity to change the world.

“We have all been pushed and pulled over the course of the past four years from teenagers to young adults,” she said. “I believe everyone in this room is called upon by God to make a difference. Some of us will go on to make very large and grand changes. They will carry out their lives certain of altering the landscape of humanity in one swoop.

“And then there are those who will work on a smaller scale,” she said. “These are the ones who act only to help those around them, but by this, they change others’ lives as well. A subtle wave effect that changes humanity over time.”