Despite threats made against the West Johnston High School graduation ceremony, the evening went off without a hitch as 468 seniors received their diplomas. The graduation ceremony, which took place on June 11, featured remarks from principal Brookie Honeycutt, as well as speeches from class valedictorian Lindsey Anderson and salutatorian Kathryn Pearson. Senior class president Brandon Hill also recognized the classmates lost to car accidents that would have graduated this year. There were also musical performances by the West Johnston Symphonic Winds and a rendition of the class song “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Following a vandalism event in which a brick was thrown through a school window with a threatening note attached, the school put extra precautions in place for the ceremony. Additional law enforcement was on hand and metal detectors were placed at the entrances to screen visitors.

Approximately 1,750 graduates were awarded diplomas this month in Johnston County. The class of 2010 was awarded over $13.5 million in scholarship funds. West Johnston led the way with $8.1 million in offers. The scholarship totals are as follows:

Smithfield Selma High - $1.6 million

South Johnston High - $700,000

Clayton High School - $1.3 million

Middle College - $207,500

West Johnston High School - $8,165,938 Princeton High - $740,000

North Johnston High - $852,512