As graduation neared, the uncertainty of whether he was going to crack the Top 10 left Joey Eads restless. While it was an accomplishment he yearned for as a reward to his academic commitment, receiving another $2,000 in scholarship money to attend the University of Missouri couldn't be ignored as well. "It was nerve-wracking," said Eads, who wound up ranking eighth out of 88 Wright City High School seniors. But it was well worth the wait in the end prior to receiving his diploma during Sunday's commencement ceremony. "I'm really excited," Eads said. "It's been a long time in school working toward this day. It's finally here." Graduation also brought some apprehension to students who have yet to decide their future. "I don't think it's hit me yet," Brittany Parish said. "It' kind of relieving, but confusing. You're starting a new beginning." Angela Jones was named valedictorian of this year's senior class. She was happy to follow in the footsteps of her mother, Donna, who earned valedictorian honors in 1980. "It flew by," she said. "I can't believe today is here and over. Hopefully we built some friendships that will last and we will stay connected." Keeley Ann Gierer joined Jones on the podium after being named salutatorian. Reading their speech together, Jones and Gierer were proud of how the seniors united over the years. "We came together united like no other class before us," Gierer said. ". . .Together we're unstoppable." Also speaking was Nolan Hahn, senior class president, who added, "I will never forgot you guys. I will never forget my friends and my family. Graduating Class of 2010, I love you all." Dr. Alan Hogenmiller, in his final year at the school, said the senior class should be commended for their achievements. He noted this year's group received approximately $238,000 in college scholarships. "I recognize your future, more than ever before, is now a path and a journey filled with expectation and unpredictability," Hogenmiller spoke during the ceremony. "There will be good days and there will be bad days. On each and every one of those days, that your commitment and dedication to facing those challenges that have been instilled by the teachers, parents and family that will you carry you through to success. "I encourage you to develop new skills, talents and abilities in the years ahead. I have every confidence that you will do well in future endeavors and you will continue to grow as young men and women." At the start of Sunday's commencement ceremony, Superintendent Dr. Chris Gaines quipped about the sweltering conditions inside the gymnasium will soon be a thing of the past. "This class will have the distinct honor, maybe, of being the last class to graduate in this gym without air conditioning," he announced.