On Saturday morning a new generation of Unaka High School graduates will earn their diplomas.

The school will host a graduation ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the school’s gymnasium.

The Unaka High School Class of 2017 includes 74 graduates, according to school Counselor Lisa McGinnis.

Many of those who will graduate on Saturday have plans to continue their education or training in some way.

“Out of the graduates, we have four joining the military and 64 going on to a college, university or the Tennessee College of Applied Technology,” McGinnis said. “We have 68 out of the 74 who have a college or military plan.”

The students in the senior class have worked hard to prepare for their continued education, McGinnis said.

“We have a lot of students who are getting a lot of scholarship money,” McGinnis said. “They are getting at least $500,000 in scholarship money, and that’s not counting the Tennessee Promise money. That is just scholarships for academics and athletics.”

One student at the school has been awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to continue her education, McGinnis said.

In addition to the scholarship awards from the colleges and universities, McGinnis said several local businesses and civic organizations have also awarded scholarships to the graduating class. “The community has been so supportive of the school and students,” she said.

Unaka High School Principal Betsy Oliver commended the hard work put in by the Class of 2017 toward their education and their futures.

“We do have high expectations for this graduating class,” Oliver said. “They are going to go out, and do big things, and make us proud, Ranger Proud.”