Robinson, who plans to study graphic design next year at St. Charles Community College, is excited about his recent accomplishments and future plans. Stephanie Meyers agreed, but also expressed some feelings of regret. "It's finally here," she said. "It feels so good. I'm so happy to have made it. But I'm going to miss it." Kayla Beeny, who will attend the University of Missouri-St. Louis as a vocal performance major, had similar mixed feelings. "I'm excited to move on, but it's hard to move on," she said. "I've been playing with the same band for seven years. It feels like a second family." According to Wright City High School Principal Dr. Alan Hogenmiller, the 96 students in this year's senior class have a lot to be proud of. Together, the class received a total of $109,593 in scholarship awards. The top 10 students in the class are Ankit Patel, Andrew Mueller, Casey Turpin, Katherine Kopp, Leah Jones, Samantha Twellmann, Marley Arechiga, Monica Adkins, Rebecca Schriener and Jill Abel. These students were presented with medallions in honor of their achievements. Abel was recognized as valedictorian, while Schriener was the class salutatorian. In her speech, Abel heralded graduation as "the end of an era of books, dances and sports." She acknowledged the feelings of uncertainly that many graduates feel, but encouraged her fellow classmates to keep a positive outlook. "Where we will go is unknown, but remember and appreciate your accomplishments as proof of hope for the future," Abel said. Abel praised the school district as the foundation of students' future success. "Wright City's dedication to student success led us to have skills for the future," she said. Veronica Edwards, senior class president, gave a fun-filled speech highlighting the great times the Class of 2009 enjoyed together. She reminisced about clothing malfunctions, spirit games, prom, going to Dallas and senior pranks gone hilariously wrong. "Always expect the unexpected and carry duct tape," Edwards advised her classmates. She described the class as "outgoing and loud." Amid cheers and laughter, she led the Class of 2009 to declare their class motto together one last time: "We Run This!"