Salutatorian Aubrey Swilling spoke to her peers reminding them of their freshman year chant “What is your profession?” and slowly taking them through their years at Rouse to the first graduation.

 “At first I didn’t want to come the Rouse,” Swilling said. “Now I’m not sure how to leave. It gave us more than we expected. We came to shape Rouse, but in turn Rouse shaped us.”

After Swilling and valedictorian Collin Walker made their speeches and received their plaques, Rouses namesake Charlie Rouse stepped up to the podium. Rouse confessed that he has always seen the alpha class as his grandchildren.

“The world is changing,” Rouse said. “The expectations are higher then you have ever faced. You will have to be responsible, show up on time every day. It’s time to put on your big boy pants and suck it up.”

“I felt like it was a very bittersweet experience,” Beckham said. “It was a beautiful ceremony, but it’s going to be weird not seeing everyone anymore. It’s hard to believe I’m finally finished.”

After the seniors finished walking, they played a presentation made by broadcast as a wrap-up of the year and a good-bye featuring all of the seniors.

“I feel like graduation was an amazing experience,” senior Carsten Sargent said. “The way we all felt intertwined with the PowerPoint, the memories and the speeches. It was touching and reminded me of why I loved the school so much.”

The alpha class included 373 seniors who graduated Sunday.

“Take it from grandpa,” Rouse said. “You are tough, resilient and prepared. You have gone to the best district in Texas, Leander ISD and dare I say the best school. You are prepared.”

For additional photos of graduation, click here.