A sea of red filled the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center on Friday night, May 18, as the Yorkville High School Class of 2018 gathered for their commencement ceremony.

A total of 398 students received diplomas.

Class Salutatorian Kimberly Batdorf told her classmates that the ceremony served to mark one of the greatest changes yet in their lives.

Batdorf continued, "Whether it was on the stage, behind a music stand, or on the field, each of you have found your place at Yorkville, and significantly shaped this class with unique talents, personalities and accomplishments."

During her speech, Batdorf also called for a moment of silence in memory of those who died earlier that day in a mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, TX.

"Not everyone is as lucky as we are," she reminded her classmates and the audience.

The ceremony, attended by hundreds of parents and family members, also featured a performance of the song, "We Sing," by Brian Tate, from the school's varsity choir.