ALBANY, GA -- A group of freshmen pledge to leave school one day with a diploma and a future.

Westover Comprehensive High School held its second annual Commit to Graduate Ceremony today.

Dr. Joshua Murfree and retired teacher Jessie Massey encouraged the students to stay focused on their goals.

"It’s very important that you start ahead, rather than behind, because it’s hard to catch up once you’re behind," said Yolanda Skinner of Westover Comprehensive.

The students signed a graduation robe as a symbol of their commitment to graduate.