Richard Milburn Academy graduation

Number of graduates: 30 (seven were unable to attend the ceremony)

Keynote Speaker: Lt. John Murrell, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers supervisor; graduates ShaCarl Williams, Brian Bogue, Ly’Shawn Williams, and Tierra Salter.

Shining Moment: When Stacey Ross was presented an honorary diploma for her son, Martavier Lamond Barnes. Martavier passed away in October after a long struggle with sickle cell and lupus.

Best quote: “My class is not a study hall,” Krista Morton, Richard Milburn Academy’s principal, quoting a familiar phrase of one of the teachers.

Interesting sight: Some Richard Milburn Academy seniors stood up and clapped enthusiastically as classmate Brandy Brown completed her interpretive dance routine.

This story was originally published May 23, 2009 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Richard Milburn Academy graduation."