Photo by Mild Du Russell-Tyler-Ruthton High School 2022 graduates toss their caps in the air after their commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon.

TYLER — The Russell-Tyler-Ruthton class of 2022 had been through a lot of changes together. Now, another big change was coming, graduates said Sunday.

“It’s the end of an era, but it’s the beginning of so many new opportunities,” said class valedictorian Julia Nilles.

Speakers reflected on some of the changes during their commencement program. A total of 46 graduates received their diplomas in a ceremony at the new RTR School building in Tyler.

“Throughout our years here at RTR we’ve had many changes,” said salutatorian Faith Thomsen. “Our first change was our sophomore and junior year being heavily affected by COVID. Activities and schooling were different, but we all got through it together.”

“We are the first graduating class in the new building and that’s rather exciting,” said student body president Jacob Johnson. “This class has been through a lot, and I know this class has a lot of potential to succeed in the future. We are just starting our next journey and have a long road ahead of us.”

It was hard to come to the end of years of school together, Nilles said in her commencement address.

“Normally, I procrastinate getting things done because I don’t want to do them, so it’s no surprise that I procrastinated thinking about the day we would graduate throughout all of high school because I don’t want to have to say goodbye,” she said.

Now that graduation day was here, the message Nilles wanted to share with her classmates was that they were full of potential.

“We are all unique and we all have a lot of strengths. These types of traits are what I know will make us successful in the future,” she said. “Whether you are planning to go to a college, technical school, the military, or into the workforce, you will go on to do great things. I’ve known you all now for 13 years, and I know that you each have the drive and motivation to succeed.”

Graduate Kate Cowell shared some thoughts for the next generations of RTR graduates.

“To the underclassmen, here are three simple pieces of advice: appreciate your time with your classmates, be a kind human, and just don’t be stupid,” Cowell said.

Cowell also thanked teachers and parents for the impact they made in graduates’ lives, and all they ways they supported the class.

“As we’re moving forward to the next step in our lives, whatever it may be, we hope we make you all proud,” Cowell said.