New Madrid County Central High School 2021 graduation

During the senior walk through Lilbourn Elementary School a teacher gets a hug from a former student. (Jill Bock)

Tuesday morning the soon-to-be graduates visited all three grade schools and the Central Middle School for a walk through. Students at Lilbourn Elementary School greeted the seniors with special signs and banners. (Jill Bock)

Donald Ray Brown uses one of the mirrors on the column in the commons area at New Madrid County Central High School to fix the collar on his graduation attire.

New Madrid County Central High School's Class of 2021 file into the gymnasium as a large crowd of family and friends watch.

Members of the New Madrid County R-1 School Board watch as graduates of New Madrid County Central High School cross the stage to receive their diplomas.

New Madrid County R-1 School Board President Ryan Eddy congratulates a member of the Class of 2021 as he presents her with a diploma during the graduation ceremony on May 18.

Betsy Riggs moves the tassel on her cap from right to left to signify her graduation from New Madrid County Central High School.

NMCC Class of 2021 salutatorian Donald Ray Brown III makes a point during his speech at the May 18 graduation ceremony.

New Madrid County Central High School's Class of 2021 valedictorian Hannah Faries addresses her classmates, friends and families who filled the school's gymnasium for the May 18 graduation ceremony.

Members of the New Madrid County Central's Singing Eagles performed three selections, including a piece composed by one of the 2021 graduates.

Comments by classmates during the New Madrid County Central High School's 41st annual commencement ceremony brought laughter and tears for the 75 graduates.

Members of the New Madrid County Central High School band performed "Pomp and Circumstance" as the graduates enter the gymnasium for the commencement ceremony on May 18l

A graduate checks out her diploma from New Madrid County Central High School during the 41st annual commencement ceremony.

A guest at the New Madrid County Central High School's 41st annual graduation uses the program to identify the graduates as they enter the gym for the ceremony on May 18.

Members of the Class of 2021 celebrate their graduation from New Madrid County Central High School by tossing their hats into the air.

Leading the Class of 2021 at New Madrid County Central High School were valedictorian Hannah Faries and salutatorian Donald Ray Brown III.

The family of Jalayka Nelson celebrated her May 18 graduation from New Madrid County Central High School by wearing matching t-shirts.

There were plenty of hugs offered to the 75 graduates of the New Madrid County Central High School following the conclusion of the commencement ceremony.

A graduate gets her photo taken following the conclusion of New Madrid County Central High School's 41st annual commencement ceremony on May 18.