Around 200 Callaway High School graduates received their diploma Thursday night at Callaway Stadium.

Valedictorian Grace Summers referenced the Wizard of Oz in her speech, which looked back to the past and forward into an unknown future.

“Yes, the future is here, though our journey is far from over,” Summers said. “It is up to us to ensure that future is one to be proud of. Never do just enough to get by. Pursue what you are truly passionate about.”

As students walked up to receive their diploma, family members jumped and yelled from the stands.

“We have seen so many examples of what graduation should be and what it should mean to us, from TV, to our own friends and family’s graduations,” said salutatorian Henry Hetzel. “But this is our graduation. The work, stress and emotional roller coasters we’ve been through are our own, along with all the hard work and accomplishments we’ve received.”

Once the ceremony ended, students walked to one end of the field and threw their caps into the air in celebration.

“Despite four years having passed, until now this day felt like it was years away and couldn’t come faster,” Hetzel said. “Standing here now, it feels like it happened in a flash.”

The graduation also took time to remember Kavon Zelaya, a student who passed away as a middle schooler that would’ve been a part of the class of 2017.

“Although I never had the privilege of meeting Kavon, based on the love I felt from all of you, I know without a doubt that he was an inspirational young man,” said Callaway principal Jonathan Laney.

In the final parts of her speech, Summers looked forward, inviting her classmates to find her in 10 years.

“I’ll see you at the reunion,” she said with a final wave.