WILLOW WOOD — Teamwork was the main focus of Symmes Valley High School senior Joseph Williams’ graduation speech Friday evening, relating playing football for four years with succeeding in everyday life. Everyone must do his or her part in order to succeed.

“We all played a part on this team,” Williams, who’s also an honor student, graduating summa cum laude, said of his classmates getting through high school. “But we’ve also played a part in each others’ lives.”

The team atmosphere and togetherness of the school community was something that stands out to many of the graduating seniors.

“I’m going to miss it here. Everyone knows everyone and it’s like one big family,” Felicity Jenkins said. “Everyone always supports each other and there are a lot of good teachers here.”

Jenkins, who’s also an honor student graduating summa cum laude, was involved in many activities at the school including marching band drum major, quiz bowl and president of her class, student body and student council, is set to attend Liberty University in Virginia, but her major is undecided.

“I really enjoyed the people here,” Nic Slack, honor student graduating cum laude, said. “Everyone always got along.”

Joseph Krausz agreed.

“I’ve had a lot of fun here,” he said. “I’m going to miss the teachers the most. There’s a lot of great personalities.”

In the fall, Slack is studying radiology and Krausz is studying game design simulation, both at Shawnee State University.

Symmes Valley superintendent Jeff Saunders said he’s proud of this class for all they’ve gone through and accomplished.

“This group has gone through more change than any class before them; educational changes in curriculum, testing and changes in the world with technology,” he said. “I have no doubt they’re very prepared and ready to go and I’m very proud of all of them.”