There were plenty of smiles, hugs, and tears in Salina on Sunday as family, friends, and well-wishers said goodbye to graduating seniors.

Seniors from Central were the first to walk across the stage and graduate in front of a packed house at the Bicentennial Center. A couple of hours later seniors from South did the same thing. As their names were called the seniors walked across the stage as friends and family cheered. Among those receiving diplomas was a 81-year-old veteran at Central receiving an honorary diploma, who was rewarded with a standing ovation from the entire arena.

Ell-Saline, and Southeast of Saline both said goodbye to their seniors this weekend as well. Each celebrated commencement at their school. Sacred Heart seniors graduated last weekend.

Many other area schools also said goodbye to their seniors. Bennington, Tescott, Lincoln, Abilene, and Chapman were all among area schools celebrating commencement.

While seniors are already finished with classes, all other students are still counting down the days to the last day of school. Classes will dismiss for the summer this week.