Photo Gallery: More Than 100 Students Honored at FHS Convocation Ceremony

Thursday night was an evening of applause for the Ferndale High School seniors. More than 100 seniors had their honors, achievements, commendations and scholarships read aloud to a packed auditorium.

Various seniors received accolades ranging from full-ride scholarships to some of the nation's top schools to recognition for excellence in fine arts.

After the students took their seats as Pomp and Circumstance played through the speakers, the Ferndale High School senior choir, led by Kim Schroder, opened the ceremony with Don't Stop Me Now by Queen.

Ferndale senior Jordan Haines, a Ferndale Patch Whiz Kid, hosted the evening. Haines will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall.

Senior Miykal King, who received the 2011 American Citizenship Award, gave the ceremony's welcome address.

"What a year it has been," she said. "Being at the top of the food chain has never felt so good."

King discussed being a senior and told the underclassman to not take those moments for granted — noting that high school is only four years, and the senior year is only one.

Senior Danny Hicks spoke next. He'll be attending the Air Force Academy next fall. He was one of 1,300 students accepted to that academy out of 14,000 applications. He received a scholarship for four years at the academy, equal to about $400,000.

Hicks spoke about the weapon of education. "Ignorance is the culprit," Hicks said of conflict, fear and hatred. "What can we do to destroy it? The only weapon for ignorance is education."

Ferndale Principal Herbert Ivory addressed the students to a roaring applause.

"Congrats to each of you," he said. "You've done an outstanding job. So just sit back and enjoy the nice things we are going to say about you."

The convocation ceremony continued, lasting about an hour. The achievements of each senior were read off as they stood in front of the audience on the stage. And nearly every senior wore an ear-to-ear smile.

The closing statement was given by Elgin Avila, whose multiple awards included a Michigan Competitive Scholarships Certificate of Recognition.

"Senior year is coming to an end," he said.

"We, the Class of 2011, say goodbye to the teachers, friends and the many bonds we've created," he said. "And although we are leaving Ferndale High School, these bonds cannot be broken."

Ferndale High School's graduation ceremony is 7:30-8:30 p.m. June 1 at Meadow Brook.