For Oakdale Junior High Principal Jon Webb, the class of 2016 will always hold a special place in his heart for they were the first class under his wing since taking the principal position last year.

The smiles, the anticipation, and the giddy realization that one chapter was closing, only to open to the next one, filled The Corral as the graduating eighth graders took the field Thursday evening, May 26.

“This was my first class, which makes them a little more significant for me,” Webb shared as the graduates prepared to make their traditional walk, two-by-two, side-by-side. “I wish them the very best as they move into high school. I hope they live up to the potential they have.”

Gabrielle Lawless sang the National Anthem while Courtney Williams provided the Junior High Review.

A special presentation was that of the class gift — a countdown to graduation clock — which will tick down the days, minutes and hours until the following graduation, giving the new eighth graders something to look forward to.

Graduating eighth grader Angelica Lowry said of graduation, “It feels awesome. It’s a great accomplishment. There were a couple of tough lessons in math but overall, the year went pretty smooth.”

When asked what she would miss, Lowry echoed the sentiment of many, saying, “I’m really going to miss our junior high teachers. They go out of their way to make connections with the students.”