The school system said 1,617 students got their diplomas this year, including 277 from Smithfield-Selma High.

“Right now, it really does seem like the end,” said SSS salutatorian Jonathan Daniels. “But, it’s really just the beginning of a new learning process.”

Valedictorian Jessie Anderson spoke about her personal drive and encouraged her classmates to do their best in life.

“I have a plan, and I’m a nerd,” she said. She knew from “day two” that she wanted to attend Duke University. Though she never thought she would make it, she opened the mail one day to find a partial scholarship offer from the school.

“Whatever path we go, let’s make sure we go with all of our hearts,” Anderson said.

Anderson wasn’t the only one to win a scholarship. Across Johnston County, graduates racked up more than $3 million in scholarships and grants.

At each school, an empty chair adorned with a cap, gown and white rose stood in front of the student section. The chairs were memorials to the Johnston County seniors who died this year.

At SSS, families and friends whooped and cheered as the roll of graduates was called.

“Thank you, Jesus!” one woman screamed after a swell of applause.

After the seniors threw their hats to the sky, parents squeezed through the field gates of Charles T. Tucker Stadium. As Russell Ford Jr. hugged his parents, he took a second to ponder the post-graduation world.

“It’s gonna be hard, but we can overcome by learning what you need to know,” said Ford, who is headed to Mount Olive College, where he earned a full scholarship. The full-ride offer was a huge incentive in a down economy.

Russell Ford embraced his son with a calm, fulfilled pride. His son’s graduation held extraordinary meaning for him; just after graduation, the elder Russell was to be put on a heart-transplant waiting list.

More than anything, he had hoped to see graduation day before his health worsened. “I asked the Lord to give me that one last wish, to see him graduate,” Russell said. “I’m happy now.”