SPANISH FORT, Ala. —Parents, friends and even city leaders seemed to agree on one fact following Thursday’s Spanish Fort High School commencement exercises: You’d be hard-pressed to find an area in which the Class of 2011 did not excel.

“These young people are simply amazing,” said Corina Harper, holding a bouquet of balloons for her granddaughter who plans to attend Auburn University in the fall.

“I raised five kids of my own, and I can honestly say these folks (at SFHS) understand that teaching children is as much about teaching character and responsibility as it is about being a good student,” Harper said.

And Principal Marty McRae, in only his first year at the SFHS helm, said the Class of 2011 has set the bar exceptionally high for future students.

“The Class of 2011 excelled in academics, excelled in athletics and excelled in the fine arts,” said McRae, pointing specifically to the graduating class’ more than $5.6 million in scholarship, leadership roles on seven 2010-11 state championship athletic teams and award-winning band and choral programs.

Although the standing-room-only crowd at Toros Stadium kept a cautious eye on the foreboding clouds that threatened Thursday’s celebration, all 204 students had received their diplomas before the bottom dropped out, leaving the grinning graduates soaked but set for the next chapter in their lives.

Nine students — including Valedictorian Sara Beth Deas and Salutatorian Lauren Watts — graduated with distinction, having completed the most academically rigorous course of study Baldwin County Public Schools offers and maintaining a minimum 3.7 grade-point-average in the process.

Meanwhile, two students were honored for choosing to enter the military upon graduation, with one bound for the U.S. Navy and the other joining the U.S. Coast Guard.

District 5 City Councilwoman Mary Brabner said the Class of 2011 holds a particularly special place for her because they are the last of the original students present when Spanish Fort High School debuted six years ago.

“This group of young people came to SFHS as seventh-graders and had to share the school with the high school — although at the time we were only seventh- through 10th-grades,” Brabner said, adding, “They have been resilient throughout their years at SFHS, so a little rain and lightning was par for the course for this group. Their achievements are outstanding and definitely leave big shoes to fill for future graduating classes.”

Mayor Pro Tem Mike McMillan called the Class of 2011 “special,” both academically and athletically.

“Almost $6 million in scholarships: They have made the city very proud and have left a legacy that will be hard to follow,” he said.

Meanwhile, District 4 City Councilman Tom Sawyer, said it was only fitting the Class of 2011 would stare down a thunderstorm and triumph.

"While observing the graduates proceed to the podium to receive their diplomas, I thought that not even stormy weather seems to be able stop the phenomenal progress of our very new high school.

“I wish to once again congratulate the teachers, coaches, administration, staff, parents and all those who had a part in the lives of these young people. Go Toros!” Sawyer said.