Four Demopolis High School students did not walk the line in May with their classmates, but through hard work and determination, they earned their diplomas and accepted them in a ceremony held at the DHS auditorium on Thursday.

Receiving their diplomas as members of the DHS Class of 2009 were Ernest Glenn Bryant Jr., Antonio Lamar Burrell, Norma Renee’ Ethridge and Kristopher Alex Mayton. Leon Clark performed his first official duties as DHS principal in handing out the diplomas.

DHS assistant principal Booker Barlow welcomed those in attendance and Clark introduced the guest speaker, Westside Elementary School principal Connie Brown. Brown spoke on the importance of perseverance and making the most of one’s abilities.

Rosalyn Waldrop provided piano music for the event, playing the processional, recessional and alma mater.