Nearly 300 students will take their last steps as high school students this weekend as graduation ceremonies take place at East and West Bladen High Schools.

At West Bladen, 162 seniors will walk across the stage Saturday morning at 10 a.m. While Principal Tom Simmons will make a few remarks, no main speaker is on tap for the event.

Ashley McKee will welcome the seniors and their families, and Jessica Ard will issue the challenge to the class.

Simmons and asst. principals Clarissa Kelly and Dennis Rigans will issue diplomas. Verona Rhoden will offer the class's farewell address.

At East Bladen, District Court Judge Nancy Phillips will deliver a keynote address to the 124 seniors. The ceremony is scheduled for tonight (Friday) night at 8 p.m.

Ann Hamill Greene will welcome the seniors and audience, and Thomas McKoy will recognize members of the school advisory committee.

Judge Phillips will be introduced by Brandon Norris. Principal John Foye and assistant principals Harold Danil and Victoria Nance will issue diplomas.

This year's graduating classes are the first from the new East Bladen campus, and the second from West Bladen's new facility.

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