PROCTORVILLE— The 2015 graduating seniors of Fairland High School saw all of their hard work pay off Friday evening as they walked across the stage and received their diplomas.

“This is just an outstanding group of young ladies and gentleman,” Brad Bellville, principal, said. “They have far exceeded our expectations as a class and are one of the most decorated groups both academically and athletically”

Before the ceremony, Mackenzie Riley reflected on her time at Fairland High School.

“It’s bittersweet to be graduating after spending the last 13 years with these people,” she said. “It’s sad to be parting ways, but I’m excited for my future.”

Riley is heading to Shawnee State University in the fall to study occupational therapy and play softball.

“My time at Fairland was very interesting. You never could expect what was going to happen every day,” James Fulks said. “But the thing that I enjoyed most was the few good friends that I’ve made here.”

The attention given to students by the teachers and faculty at the school was something else that stood out.

“I think the teachers are really close to the students,” Jenny Mead said. “I liked the small ratio of teachers to students.”

Fulks hopes to become a pipe welder and Mead wants to go into the Army Reserve following graduation.

“This is just an exceptional group of kids,” Belville said. “Very, very special people.”