Moniteau teacher Zoe McDowell high-fives a student as he walks to the graduation ceremony Friday at the high school.

WEST SUNBURY — Family and friends gathered Friday to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2018 at Moniteau High School.

The 95 students walked up and received their diplomas in the school’s auditorium at 7 p.m. and celebrated starting the next chapter in their lives.

“It was quite the ride,” said Ellie Beach, senior class vice president.

She plans to attend Grove City College in the fall and study international business.

“I want to see the world,” Beach said. “I want to pick up a new language, and business is what I’m interested in.”

August Baptiste said he enjoyed his time at Moniteau and is excited to start working toward a career.

“I’m going to go to college at Pittsburgh Technical College. Electronics engineer,” he said. “I thought it was interesting and I heard it’s in demand.”

While some students attended Moniteau their entire high school careers, others had only a few semesters to find their bearings and earn their credits.

Joseph Kunzler said he landed at Moniteau after attending several different schools, picking up friends along the way.

“It was fun,” he said. “I feel happy. I’m glad to continue and go on with my life.”

Kunzler plans to pursue opportunities in the ministry.

“I’m going to Boston for three months to learn about Jesus and all that stuff,” he said. “And then, I travel the country for three months playing this worship set, playing music, seeing and teaching people about Jesus.”

Not all of the students got to graduation the traditional route.

Charles Arblaster said when he found high school to be difficult, the school helped him transition to cyber school where he was able to earn the credits to graduate.

“The school took interest in it and helped kids out who didn’t really get through school easily,” he said. “It helped a lot. It got me here.”