ROME TOWNSHIP — Deafening cheers filled the hallways at Fairland High School on Friday night as graduates got ready for their big night.

It was the 67th commencement exercises for the high school.

Eleanor Norman was there to watch her first grandchild, Paige Looney, graduate.

“I feel so happy,” she said. “She has accomplished so much.”

This would be the last commencement ceremony for outgoing principal Chad Belville, who is leaving to take a top job at Fairfield Union School District.

Rodney White was getting ready to go to Marshall University in the fall to study either criminal justice or physical therapy. Around his neck were medals showing his academic accomplishments at the high school.

“I can’t believe it’s been four years,” White said. “I’m graduating.”

Eli Lucas admitted he was both nervous and excited. His plans are to go to the CDL school at The Point industrial park where he hopes down the road his studies as an industrial lineman will end up with a job at AEP.

Garrett Nance is also planning to study in Huntington. This time at Mountwest College where he will study to be a physical therapy assistant.

“I will miss my friends,” Nance said. “We will all go our separate ways.”

Mariann Ashmead knows this summer she will be in basic training in Chicago as she joins the Navy.

“I’m ready to start a new chapter in my life,” she said.