Eighth-graders at Long Cane Middle School got a challenging send-off to high school at the first of four ‘On To High School’ celebrations planned at Troup County middle schools.

Wearing her cap and gown, MacKenzie Regier, the 2009 Troup High School valedictorian, encouraged the rising freshmen to get involved when they get to high school.

‘Go out there and do something. Your high school years will pass quicker than you think,’ she said.

Tuesday’s hour-long assembly is part of a broader strategy aimed at boosting high school graduation rates. Noting that only seven out of 10 high school students are graduating on time, administrator Janet Greer encouraged the eighth-graders to do better.

‘You can be the turn-around class,’ she said.

As the ceremony closed, each student was given the chance to sign a graduation gown, pledging to graduate on time. The gown will be moved to Troup High School as a visual reminder of each student’s commitment to being part of the class of 2013.