One hundred and one young men and women will step onto the stage at the Harry M. Ward Auditorium on Saturday afternoon, as Mathews High School holds its 72nd annual commencement exercises, starting at 2 p.m.

Leading this year’s class will be valedictorian Sally Ruth Taylor and salutatorian Sarah Nicole Burnette. Taylor, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Taylor of Hayes, posted a grade point average of 4.38. She will be attending Randolph College in the fall.

Burnette, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Burnette of New Point, had a GPA of 4.36. She will be attending the University of South Carolina.

Saturday’s ceremony begins with students and faculty marching into the auditorium to the traditional music of "Pomp and Circumstance," played by the MHS Concert Band under the direction of Wayne Fillingim. Following the National Anthem, class president Emily Ortiz will welcome the students, families and guests and present the gift from the Class of 2011.

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