Hundreds of family members and friends packed into the Bainbridge High School gymnasium to watch the 2015 graduating class receive their diplomas Thursday evening.

“The Seniors performed beautifully during the ceremony,” BHS principal Tommie Howell said. “I am so proud of the Bainbridge High School Class of 2015.”

The evening began with a processional of teachers and Board of Education members entering the gym, followed by 329 proud seniors.

“This was the largest graduation class and largest audience that we have had in several years,” Decatur County School System Superintendent Fred Rayfield said. “The ceremony was a fantastic finish to a great school year.”

Top-five graduate Jordan Graham spoke first, offering a moment of quiet reflection before the ceremony and congratulating her class on making it to the momentous occasion.

The Air Force JROTC presented colors for the Pledge of Allegiance. Seniors Alexus Franklin, Tiarra Gilbert and Brandy Hopkins sang the National Anthem.

Charley Rayfield, daughter of Fred Rayfield and another top-five graduate, gave the welcome speech. Afterward, the Honor Graduates were recognized.

The senior speech was given by top-five graduate Rebecca Mulkey, followed by a salutatorian speech by Maegan Harrison and a valedictorian speech by William Walker, III.

Diplomas were presented by Rayfield, members of the Board of Education, Dr. April Aldridge, Dr. Suzanne Bonifay and Dr. Linda Lumpkin.

After a proud singing of the Bainbridge alma mater, “The Purple and the Gold,” Howell officially announced the class as graduated.

Purple caps flew into the air.

“I am thankful that we were able to send all of our graduates out into the next stage of their lives with a very dignified and inspirational commencement ceremony,” Rayfield said.