By Joe Hadsall

jhadsall@joplinglobe.com

Tina Moore said she is “one proud mama.”

Her son, Matthew Foley, was one of 373 graduates of Joplin High School who received their diplomas Sunday afternoon. Many of his family members helped fill Leggett & Platt Athletic Center at Missouri Southern State University for the commencement ceremonies.

“I’m so thrilled,” Moore said. “I know he struggled to get here. I’m one proud mama.”

Thousands of family members and friends turned out to see students in the class of 2007 graduate and enter the next major chapter in their lives.

Senior class Principal Jason Cravens and other school officials said the graduating students stood out for being outstanding leaders.

“The class of 2007 is full of friendship, sportsmanship, leadership, joy and moral integrity,” Cravens said. “We’ll miss them.”

During the ceremony, Cravens said that the class of 2007:

n Helped the school district become accredited with distinction for three years in a row.

n Had more graduates than any other Joplin graduating class.

n Earned about $1.5 million in scholarships and grants for college.

Graduates said they were excited about entering the next phase of their lives.

“Although our high-school days are at an end, we have much to look forward to,” said senior class president Justin Yeater during the ceremony. “Great things await us.”

Angie Long could barely contain her excitement about gradating. Standing in a side gym, in line before walking out, she was beaming and fidgeting with anticipation.