A packed house of families and friends crammed the Middleton Gymnasium at Columbia High School on a sweltering Sunday afternoon to see some 166 seniors earn their diplomas. 

With parking around the school filled, people who arrived at the last minute or late found only standing room in the gym or overflow seating in the school library, where they could watch on closed-circuit TV.

Columbia School Superintendent Dr. Gina Segobiano praised the graduates for their hard work and results, demonstrated by the fact they have garnered more than $400,000 in college scholarships for their labors.

The senior class featured co-valedictorians Zachary Hollis and Nicholas Rodenberg, who tied for top academic honors during their four years at CHS.

“I certainly had no idea I would be up here speaking today when I started four years ago,” Hollis said in his speech.

For more from the event, pick up the May 22 edition of the Republic-Times newspaper, and also the special graduation section that will appear in June.

To view and purchase photos from the CHS Class of 2013 graduation, click here.