Isaac Lindsey adjusts Dana Lane’s cap prior to Cullman High School’s graduation ceremonies Friday night.

Standing outside the entrance to the Tom Drake Coliseum at Wallace State on Friday night, Cullman High senior Joey Farr couldn’t believe he was just a few minutes away from receiving his high school diploma and starting the next phase of his life.

“I’m going to miss the people, my fellow students, the most,” he said. “It seems a lot shorter now, like it wasn’t that long ago to get here.”

With high school in the books, Farr will be sticking around Wallace State to get some basic credits before shipping off to the University of North Alabama to study computer science.

Farr was among Cullman High’s graduating class of 200 for 2014, led by valedictorian Caroline Johnson, salutatorian Clay Krout and class president Payton Palmer. Ninety students in the graduating class garnered scholarships and awards.

Looking back, graduate Joseph Hinson said he would miss all the people he’s grown up with as he heads to Wallace and eventually Auburn University to become a pharmacist.

“I’ll miss all of my friends and us being able to be together all at once,” he said.

Katie Jackson echoed that sentiment, adding she’ll miss “the people I see everyday,” once she heads off to Wallace State.

Fellow graduate Rob Huddleston joked he’ll probably miss “all the homework,” as he takes the first step toward his post-high school career goal of being a corporate pilot.

Jacqueline Shirley said she is excited to start the next phase after high school and attend Wallace State’s nursing school.

“That’s something I really want to do, because I like to help people,” she said.

As part of the graduation ceremony, class instrumentalist Jacob Davis performed “For Once in My Life,” by Ron Miller and Orlando Murden, while class vocalist Payton Palmer sang “Whenever You Remember,” by Diane Warren.

Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 134.