Landrum High School graduates filed into a packed gymnasium on Friday night.

Both sides of the gymnasium&squo;s first- level bleachers and most of the second-level bleachers were filled with family and friends waiting to see 88 seniors graduate from Landrum High.

As each speaker stepped up to the podium to address the crowd, the students&squo; faces showed their nervous anticipation of making the walk across the stage to accept their diplomas from District One Superintendent Dr. Jimmy Littlefield and principal Brian Sherman.

The students still had a final few lessons to learn from speeches given by Salutatorian Nathan Green and Valedictorian Danielle Regoni.

Regoni quoted Sandra Day O&squo;Connor and Pulitzer Prize winner Anna Quindlen to inspire her classmates to look at the future.

She also quoted her mother, who said &dquo;we are all reflections of the &squo;flame from within.&squo;&dquo;

Regoni&squo;s message focused largely on the future and what this year&squo;s class at Landrum High School can accomplish.

&dquo;So as we journey outward, we must work to exemplify all that will make us a living example of the high standards, character and integrity that is an integral part of the school and community that has allowed us to flourish and grow,&dquo; she said.

Salutatorian Green gave a speech with a personal flavor, highlighting qualities of some of the many teachers that he and other graduates had.

He reminded his classmates of all the memories they shared and how Friday night was going to be the last time they were all together in one place.

&dquo;Soak it up,&dquo; he said. &dquo;Enjoy every second of it. Congratulations to all of you on surviving high school.&dquo;