's Class of 2012 celebrated graduation with family and friends at the Meadowbrook Music Festival Pavilion on Wednesday evening.
The 195 graduates were supported by a full crowd at the outdoor venue and greeted by family with tears of joy and hugs following the ceremony.
It was also a special night for FHS Principal Herbert Ivory, who is retiring at the end of the school year. Students surprised Ivory with an honorary diploma and the crowd gave the much-loved principal several standing ovations.
New graduate Patrick Ceglarek said he had mixed feelings after graduating Wednesday night.
"I'm really happy but at the same time kind of sad to be leaving it all behind," said Ceglarek, who plans to attend University of Michigan-Dearborn in the fall. "Mostly happy though," he laughed.
Jaleijah Clark said she was nervous leading up to the ceremony but now she's excited about what's next in life. Looking to study criminal justice, Clark is attending Oakland Community College this fall and plans to transfer to Kentucky State University the following year. "I can't wait," she said.
"It still hasn't hit me yet, really," Randell Seaton said after graduating. He's headed to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in the fall and is considering studying biology or chemistry. "I look forward to studying hard at U of M," he said.
