Thursday night the Russellville community gathered in Golden Tiger Stadium as Russellville High School held a graduation ceremony for its 2020 class.

There were 178 students who received their diplomas and had their achievements recognized during the traditional ceremony.

“This has been anything but a normal school year and probably anything but what you expected,” said Russellville City Schools Superintendent Heath Grimes to the graduating class. “We are so proud of this class for everything they have endured.”

Grimes said the students are beginning a new chapter of their lives, but he is thankful for the contributions they have made in continuing to build the legacy of Russellville High School.

RHS Salutatorian Simon Colburn said over the years, the class of 2020 has become on large family full of memories and love.

“When I look through yearbooks and see my classmates’ faces, I think of individual conversations and memories I have with each one of them,” Colburn said.

Colburn said he is thankful for his graduating class and the numerous memories he has with them.

RHS 2020 valedictorian is River Grace Pounders.