John Henry/Journal-World Photo Free State High School graduate Justine Ahle embraces her friend in congratulation Sunday, May 25, 2008 after her school's commencement ceremony at Allen Fieldhouse. Ahle was one of 372 students to graduate in the FSHS class of 2008.

Hundreds of graduates are ready to move on, but Sunday they had one last chance to celebrate their high school accomplishments.

“I’m glad it’s over, but at the same time, I’m going to miss a lot of these people,” said Free State graduate Andrew Boyd, who will attend Pittsburg State University to study construction management.

“It’s been a long road, and we’ve had a lot of good memories,” said Lawrence High graduate Ellen Hernly, who will attend Kansas University.

Graduates of Lawrence’s two public high schools accepted their diplomas inside a heated Allen Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon in two emotional ceremonies.

Temperatures inside the building without an air-conditioning system could not deter the spirit of family members and friends who cheered on their graduates. During the Free State ceremony, 372 graduates participated, and the school also said goodbye to its only principal, Joe Snyder, who is retiring.

Lawrence High School celebrated its 134th commencement later in the afternoon as 366 graduates took part in the ceremony, out of the total 422 in the class, administrators said.

Administrators and school board members lauded both classes for the achievements in academics, athletics and fine arts. They also pointed them toward the future.

“Be positive. Be optimistic, and lift those around you up,” school board President Linda Robinson said in a speech delivered at both ceremonies. “This is your time; this is your now.”