Wetumpka Grads Remember 6 Deceased Students
They say they are a special class because of the tragedies they have overcome through the years.
The Wetumpka High School class of 2016 marched into the ASU acadome Tuesday evening.
This day has been a long time coming, and they are ready to embrace it.
“13 years, I’m ready to go. I feel like I am at the next level!” said Wynston Brady Ballenger.
“Basically 173 days to get to this point. They are excited. We are excited,” said Superintendent Andre Harrison.
They also want to take time to remember those who aren’t with them.
The class paused for a moment of silence to recognize 6 class mates who have passed away, including three 16 year olds: Austin Augustine, Dylan Bieber and Hoyt Hardin.
The car they were riding in one night in November of 2014 collided with a sheriff’s deputy patrol car, killing the deputy inside and the three boys.
Students say it impacted the whole class.
“They were such good people. Such good friends. They were loved my many people at Wetumpka High School,” said Zoe Brown.
They say this group became more than just classmates.
“To see the class bond, and it kind of formed friendships it never would have formed before. We’ve come together and handled it well,” said Zachary Brown.
Their bonds will last after this graduation night.
“This right here is probably one of the strongest classes to ever graduate from WHS just because we had 4 deaths in an 8 month period. I can tell you right now, I’d trust my life with anyone of these class members,” said Ballenger.
As these classmates and friends graduate, they say those that aren’t there are cheering them on just the same.
Zoe “I know they are smiling down on us. They are smiling saying go live your life. Be who you want to be and be a good example. I know that’s what they would be saying to us.”
