Jubilation — Alleghany High School seniors' faces show varied looks of celebration as they throw their hats in the air after being named the class of 2004.

AHS graduates class of 98 seniors

On May 28, the Alleghany High School class of 2004 said goodbye to its alma mater as they accepted diplomas on a stage set up on Woodruff Field in front of a large crowd of family and friends.

Cloudy skies and the possibility of inclement weather left the outdoor ceremony in question right up until it began, but no precipitation fell. "Many of you express mixed emotions tonight," co-salutatorian Jackie Sexton said. Her comment spoke for the class of 2004. It could hold true for Principal Barbara Lyon, as well, who is retiring after 32 years of service in Alleghany County schools.

Following the presentation of colors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7034 Honor Guard, the school's faculty and staff, and student's families and friends were welcomed by co-salutatorians, Claire Caldwell and Sexton.

Caldwell welcomed Alleghany High School faculty and staff "who have pushed, pulled, prodded and even bribed us with food to get us to where we are today."

Sexton compared herself and her classmates to butterflies. "Tonight is the night we...spread our inexperienced wings. Spread your wings and take flight with your dreams by your side," she said.

"It's all about attitude," the commencement speaker, Dan Brooks, told the audience. Brooks is the current defensive line coach at the University of Tennessee, as well as the brother of Principal Barbara Lyon.

The former Alleghany High School graduate said the faculty and principal saw something in him he did not know existed, and 35 years ago, he became the recipient of the school's I Dare You award. "That day challenged me and was quite an impact, I feel like, on my life. It challenged that day to go do something. Whether you want to leave this county or stay here, don't let anyone tell you can't do what you want to do."

Brooks assured the seniors, despite the freedom they were about to obtain, it would not be in their best interest to hit the snooze bar. "Every day I get up, I tell myself, it is a great day to be alive. You can impact people's lives. Your attitude controls everything that you do."

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