Drew winchester Members of the Island Coast High School class of 2009 proceed through graduation ceremonies Saturday.

Their numbers were small but their pride and spirits were high, as the first senior class of Island Coast High School accepted their diplomas in their new building on Saturday.
Fifty graduates took turns shaking hands with principal G. Peter Bohatch and Lee county Schools Board Member Steve Tueber in the Island Coast Auditorium.
Bohatch told his students they “made history” as the first class to graduate from their new building.
Seniors spent the first three years of their high school career in portable class rooms.
Moving into their new building for their senior year was difficult, according to valedictorian Maria Whims.
“It was hard to move during our senior year, but it was worth it,” she said.
While addressing her fellow classmates, Whims thanked them for their hard work and the memories of high school they all share.
“Its an honor and a privilege to be here with these people during this moment in our lives,” she added.
Island Coast reading coach and senior class advisor Jeanne Petronio led the ceremonial moving of the tassel, which signifies the moment a student reaches graduation.
As the first senior class to move the tassel in their new building, Petronio said she was proud to be leading a fine a group of students.
“It marks the minute they go from High School senior to graduate,” Petronio said.
After moving the tassel, the students threw their graduation caps into the air and cheered.