STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

James Josef Hofmann celebrates his graduation from William Byrd High School as the recessional of graduates exits the Salem Civic Center on Friday afternoon.

STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

William Byrd seniors proceed into the Salem Civic Center for the 79th graduation of William Byrd High School on Friday afternoon.

STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

Floro, looks up into the stands at her family, as she prepares to walk the stage at the Salem Civic Center on Friday afternoon to receive her diploma from William Byrd High School.

STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

Families and friends cheer on the 2013 class of graduates from William Byrd High School at the Salem Civic Center on Friday afternoon.

STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

Luke Ian Gerig, gives the thumbs up as he walks across the stage at William Byrd High School on Friday afternoon after receiving his diploma.

STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

Austin James Nicely mugs for the portrait photographer as he exits the stage at the Salem Civic Center after receiving his diploma at the William Byrd graduation ceremony.

STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

Celebratory families and friends cheer on William Byrd High School graduates on Friday at the Salem Civic Center during the recessional.

STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

Dionne Nichols, an English teacher at William Byrd High School hugs graduate Kara Jones after Friday's graduation ceremony at Salem Civic Center.

STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

Kasie Martin, a member of the William Byrd High School graduating class, sings, "See You Again," during the ceremony on Friday at Salem Civic Center.

STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

The William Byrd High School band performs during the processional of the graduation ceremony, "Fanfare and Processional" (Pom and Circumstance).

STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

William Byrd High School teachers and graduating students watch the ceremony as graduates accept their diplomas on the stage at the Salem Civic Center on Friday afternoon.

STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

Lindsey Carver, who gave the commencement closing speech receives her Valedictorian award from Nancy Chewning, assistant principal at the Salem Civic Center on Friday during the William Byrd High School graduation.

STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

Joseph Houseman celebrates as he receives his diploma as a graduate of William Byrd High School on Friday afternoon at Salem Civic Center.

STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS | The Roanoke Times

William Byrd High School graduates are deemed officially graduated by Principal Dr. Richard Turner as they move their tassles across their brows at the Salem Civic Center on Friday.