By Mindy Ragan Wood
Staff Writer
Piedmont graduates celebrated the culmination of their hard work Monday night during the commencement ceremony at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City.
A surprising number of students spoke during commencement, 19 valedictorians and one salutatorian. While those in attendance may have braced for a long night, the slew of students kept it short and sweet.
“It went really well, especially with the number of graduates,” Piedmont Board of Education board member Greg Duffy said. “There were some 240 graduates but they were only allowed to speak for two or three minutes so it went fairly fast. From start to finish they had it over in two hours, very efficient.”
Speeches reflected students’ gratitude toward those who made an impression on their lives and shaped their futures.
“They appreciated their teachers, classmates, friends and family and anyone who had influenced their lives,” Duffy said.
The Class of 2018 enjoyed a year of significant accomplishments. There were 24 Oklahoma Academic Scholars, one All-Stater, and students who contributed to an Academic State Championship with several decorated athletes across all sports.
Seniors were awarded $1.2 million in scholarships.
Many students will attend prestigious universities including a student who will go on to Brigham Young, West Point Military Academy and University of Tampa.
