In Pictures: South Gwinnett High Seniors Bid Adieu

class of 2012 graduated Saturday in a ceremony at Gwinnett Arena.

Nearly 430 seniors walked the aisle and recieved their diplomas.

Special guests were Dr. Robert McClure, the GCPS board representative for district IV, and J. Alvin Wilbanks, chief executive officer and superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools.

McClure gave a speech reminding the graduates that life is a journey, to be a seeker and to lead a purposeful life.

Wilbanks congratulated the graduating seniors, and remarked that the graduating classes of 2012 are "without a doubt one of the best educated in Gwinnett County's history."

According to Wilbanks, the Gwinnett County schools' 2012 graduating seniors include some 2,000 honors graduates and have earned more than $114 million dollars in scholarships.

In his address to the graduating seniors, Clay Hunter, South Gwinnett's principal, reminded them that they have been given much by Gwinnett County schools, and their parents.

Quoting a phrase originally taken from the Bible, Luke 12:48, Hunter added: "And to those to whom much is given, much is expected."

A group of senior girls sang "Born to be Somebody" by Dianne Warren, and Crystal Jackson and Ivy Stokes performed a song and interprative dance to Ryan Leslie's "Golden Days."

, delivered their commencement addresses to loud applause. Senior Class President La'Bria Monae Hannah led the class in the symbolic turning of their tassels.