At Berry College, fallen trees have been removed, storm debris has been cleared and more than 300 graduates have prepared for a future that state Rep. Katie Dempsey said she stands in awe of.

“I feel so privileged to be here with all of you and I know that you are prepared to take the next steps in your lives,”

Demp­sey said during commencement on Saturday.

Dempsey discussed the dedication and effort the graduating class had as freshmen helping Hurricane Katrina victims, and the ongoing effort they maintained after recent severe storms.

Click to see a list of Berry College Spring 2011 graduates.

“I am here to celebrate your hard work and perseverance,” said Dempsey. “I hope all of you will have the opportunity to do what you love and love what you do.”

Graduate speaker Elizabeth Stepp wrote a poem reminiscing about the great times at Berry College that she titled “The Talk Before You Walk.”

“We have been challenged and know what it takes, so I challenge you to raise the stakes,” she said.

There were 295 undergraduates and 24 post-graduates that received their degrees at the commencement ceremony.

“It feels awesome to graduate. I feel like I have been in school forever,” said Andrew Scarber with a laugh.

Graduates weren’t the only ones who were happy about the event.

“It’s very exciting, I couldn’t even sleep last night,” said Kathy McCarthy, parent of graduate Ryan McCarthy. “I’m just so proud. I know this requires a lot of hard work and dedication.”

Chelsea Latta, a senior at Model High School, is an intern with the Rome News-Tribune.