Dickinson ISD had 567 reasons to be "Gator Proud" this past week as the Dickinson High School Class of 2014 donned their Gator blue gowns and filed into Sam Vitanza Stadium to receive their diplomas. Led by Valedictorian Stephen Romero and Salutatorian Anastasia Novak, the DHS Class of 2014 is the school's largest graduating class.

With nearly $2.8 million in scholarships, some of these graduates will continue their education at colleges throughout Texas, while others are traveling across the country to universities in New York, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Georgia to name a few. Other students will go directly into the workforce, taking advantage of career and technology training and certifications they have earned while still in high school.

The weeks leading up to graduation are filled with many old and new traditions alike to commemorate the ending of an important chapter in each student's life. In addition to the long-standing traditions such as Prom and Senior Breakfast, the school added a new tradition in 2013 -- the Walk of Honor. At the end of Senior Breakfast, Principal Billye Smith and the DHS Band Drum Line lead the graduates on one last walk through the school to say farewell to friends and teachers who line the hallways. Seniors are given star-shaped papers to write notes of thanks to special "star" teachers who have made a difference in their lives.

"The Walk of Honor serves a two-fold purpose. It is a chance for our graduates to walk the halls one last time, to reminisce and thank teachers who have helped get them to this point, while at the same time letting our staff and students congratulate them for their hard work," said DHS Principal Billye Smith. "But just as importantly, it is an opportunity to give our underclassman a vision for their future that in the next few years this will be them if they stay focused on school."