MERCERVILLE — On good and bad days alike, members of the class of 2008 at South Gallia High School learned something about the world and themselves, their valedictorian said.

“On our good days we have done good work,” and on their worst days, those memories taught them to live within the world, Janie Bess said during graduation ceremonies Saturday, the 12th since SGHS opened in 1996.

“The South Gallia class of 2008 was filled with historic events, not the history we learn in the classroom but in what we have left behind as our legacy,” Bess added. “We surpassed the community’s expectations and discovered we have the Rebel spirit.”

Salutatorian Cassandra Holley thanked her classmates for memories lasting a lifetime, noting that the “wonderful mix of personalities” that comprised the class will leave a strong impression.

“These were not possible without all of you,” Holley said, offering her appreciation to teachers, staff and above all, to her mom and dad for doing everything to ensure her success in school.

“My parents have sacrificed a great deal, but not in vain — I will always be doing my best,” she added.

Life lessons were also provided by Brian Unroe, valedictorian of the class of 1992 at Hannan Trace High School, South Gallia’s predecessor. Unroe, now an attorney with a Richmond, Va., law firm, advised that people can lie, cheat and steal, but not in the way that violates moral and legal standards.

For example, a graduate can lie to his or her self to make them believe a goal can be reached. Cheating is taking advantage of capabilities you have that others do not to succeed, Unroe added.

“Steal each and every opportunity you have, but not in the conventional sense that gets you in trouble with the law,” he said. “For those of you who start college in the fall, steal by learning everything from your instructors and classmates. In the workplace, find a mentor and steal by benefiting from their experience and knowledge.”

Unroe is a first cousin to South Gallia graduate Micah Cardwell.

The ceremony opened with the national anthem sung by the Miller family. Lacey Lester delivered the invocation and Kevan Johnson led the capacity audience in the South Gallia gymnasium in the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests were introduced by senior class advisor Tina Johnson, and Dr. Charla Evans, superintendent of the Gallia County Local Schools, offered wisdom and encouragement to the class.

Following the speeches and musical selections by the school choir under the direction of Cassandra Thompson, Principal Scot West announced the scholarships won by this year’s seniors. They include:

Janie Bess — Ohio Academic Scholarship, $8,820; Academic Excellence Foundation Scholarship, $500; Patrick Michael Lawrence Scholarship, $250; Maude Sellards Scholarship, $600; University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $15,000.

Cassandra Holley — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $12,000; Gallipolis Kiwanis Club Scholarship, $300; Stitt Family Scholarship, $500.

John-Paul Sebastian — Knights of Columbus Scholarship, $1,000.

Niki Fulks — Claude and Mary Swick Memorial Scholarship, $500; University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $12,000.

Chelsea Stowers — Holzer Clinic Science Award, $300; Jaret Rae Boothe Memorial Scholarship, $500; Gallipolis Lions Club English Scholarship, $500; David Poling Memorial PRIDE Scholarship, $50; University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $12,000; South Gallia Booster Scholarship, $100; Stitt Family Scholarship, $500.

Alexandria “Allie” West — Katherine Williams Gallia County Retired Teachers Association Scholarship, $350; David Poling Memorial PRIDE Scholarship, $100; Academic Scholarship underwritten by M&G Polymers, $1,000; Pepsi Scholarship, $500.

Glenna Wright — Pepsi Scholarship, $500.

Erica Blackburn — Urbana University Scholarship, $3,500.

Kala Brumfield — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $5,800.

Micah Cardwell — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $3,200.

Ashley Clary — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $7,000.

Bobbi Conrad — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $10,800.

Thomas Jonathan Allen Cook — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $7,000.

Tyler Duncan — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $10,800; Haylee Jo Swain-Love Memorial Scholarship, $250; SOACD Foundation Scholarship, $3,000.

Vance Fellure — Gallia County Local Education Association Scholarship, $500; University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $10,500.

Chrissa Finney — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $5,800.

Phylicia Green — National Wild Turkey Federation Scholarship, $250; University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $10,800.

Laura Gwinn — David Poling Memorial PRIDE Scholarship, $50; McDonalds Ray Kroc Youth Achievement Scholarship, $200; South Gallia Booster Scholarship, $100; Shawnee State University Professors Scholarship, $6,000; University Grant from SSU, $16,000.

Charity Harrison — Mount Vernon Nazarene University Quiz Team Scholarship, $1,000, and Regional Bible Third Place Scholarship, $1,000.

Jeremy Harrison — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $5,800.

Danielle Hopper — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $5,800.

Elijah Ingles — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $15,000.

Kevan Johnson — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $7,000.

Lacey Lester — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $9,400.

Obie McClanahan — University of Rio Grande, $12,000; Christopher Mullins Memorial Scholarship, $100.

Megan Sheets — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $4,600.

Justin Shelton — Ohio Valley University Academic Scholarship, $5,000.

Corey Small — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $5,800; David Poling Memorial PRIDE Scholarship, $50.

Brittany Speirs — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $4,600.

Brittney Spurlock — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $4,600.

Elizabeth Taylor — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $7,000.

Stephanie Trout — Enlisting in the Marines, Educational Award, $40,000.

Sarah White — University of Rio Grande Scholarship, $4,600.

Jonathan Wells — University of Rio Grande, $4,600.

Also planning to attend college this fall are Christina Jackson at West Virginia University-Parkersburg, and Karlie Lester at Shawnee State University.

The honors students of the class of 2008 are John-Paul Sebastian, Niki Fulks, Chelsea Stowers, Allie West and Glenna Wright.

The Class of 2008 includes:

Brittany Adkins, Randy Ashworth, Paul Barker Jr., James Beaver, Janie Bess, Erica Blackburn, Kala Brumfield, Maranda Call, Micah Cardwell, Justin Carter, Derek Cemini, Ashley Clary, Brianna Combs, Bobbi Conrad, Thomas Cook, Charles Cox, Jonathan Double, Tyler Duncan, Vance Fellure, Charissa Finney, Niki Fulks, Brody Green, Laura Gwinn, Roger Haas, Dustin Hall, Justin Hall, Charity Harrison, Jeremy Harrison, Issac Hively, Cassandra Holley, Danielle Hopper, Elijah Ingles, Christina Jackson, Jesse James, Kevan Johnson, Donovan Lester, Karlie Lester, Lacey Lester, Sean Maynard, Obie McClanahan, Rebecca Moon, John Painter, Elsie Queen, Crystal Roberts, Sara Seagraves, John-Paul Sebastian, Megan Sheets, Justin Shelton, Corey Small, Robert Sommer, Brittany Spears, Brittany Spurlock, Chelsea Stowers, Elizabeth Taylor, Stephanie Trout, Sasha Vaughn, Kayla Watson, Jonathan Wells, Allie West, Nathan White, Sarah White and Glenna Wright.

Jackie Chang, Rasmus Hamburge and Max Wild were exchange students receiving certificates of attendance.