Sandusky High School graduates more than 200

SANDUSKY –– Sandusky High School's 165-year tradition of graduation ceremonies got off to a slow start, principal Eric Talbot said at Sunday's graduation.The first graduating class of 1855 awarded just four diplomas, he told a crowd filling one half of the school's football stadium.The Sunday afternoon ceremony, held under blue skies, graduated 204 students.The event was designed to put the students and their achievements in the spotlight.It began with a long processional, with the students coming in two by two, giving parents and other well-wishers an opportunity to cheer each student.Talbot spoke for only about three minutes, preferring to spend time instead listing the various honors earned by the students in academics and arts, asking the students to stand and face the stands to be recognized.Talbot even skipped the usual scolding about cheering individual students, asking only that relatives "please use good judgment when applauding your children" so that the names of each graduate could clearly be heard.In his short speech, Talbot urged the graduates to live their lives with purpose."Hard work is the common denominator to every success story," he said. "You can't be the best in the world at your craft if you watch Netflix 12 hours a day."Jala Hunter, the president of the class of 2019, looked back on the friendships forged at school and off campus."It seems like only yesterday we were nervous little freshmen," Hunter said.Memories were made "in the friendships we made and the time we spent together," she said.Toya Stewart showed up early at the stadium to get a good seat to see her son Tevin Demon Stewart and niece Tremonee' Tameir Stewart graduate.Stewart said Tevin Stewart is going on to Lake Erie College, where he'll continue to play football and run track.Yolanda Trevino was on hand to see the graduation of her nephew, Jason Allen Hayes, and niece, Alexa Marie Trevino."And they're my grandchildren," added Cheri Leal, sitting next to Yolanda Trevino.Another member of the family, Kadeem Jermaine Pate, also graduated.The graduation inspired a big family turnout."There's probably 20 of us here today," Yolanda Trevino said.Sandusky High School Class of 2019Number of graduates: 204• Going to college: 70 percent.• Entering the workforce: 27 percent.• Entering the military: 3 percent.Local scholarships accepted: About $280,000Graduating seniors of Sandusky High School toss their caps into the air at the conclusion of their graduation ceremony.Sandusky High School Principal, Eric Talbot, addresses the Sandusky High School graduating class.Graduating seniors of Sandusky High School line up alongside the stands of Strobel Field as they prepare to walk onto the field for their graduation ceremony.Family members cheer from the stands as students from Sandusky High School walk onto Strobel Field to begin their graudation ceremony.Graduating seniors of Sandusky High School line up alongside the stands of Strobel Field as they prepare to walk onto the field for their graduation ceremony.