Newton High School started the 2016 commencement season for the Newton County School System Thursday evening.

Valedictorian Joshua Suber received the first diploma of the Class of 2016 from Newton County School System Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey at Springfield Baptist Church.

Newton high's graduation had plenty of big moments for students and their families, including honoring late Rams Carlvon Betts and Markice Harris, who would have graduated Thursday.

The Class of 2016 was the last class of Newton high students to attend school at the old Newton campus, which is currently being turned into the new civic center for Newton County.