My twin daughters are now in their early 30s, so it has been a number of years since I personally experienced a high school graduation ceremony. Back then, our family made the trek south to the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum to take in that special moment.

For the second year, graduates of Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern high schools no longer had to travel to Indianapolis for commencement. Instead, the Fishers Event Center once again served as the local venue where graduates crossed the stage, received their diplomas and experienced all the pomp and pageantry that comes with graduation.

There is always a mix of joy and sadness at any commencement ceremony.

There is joy in seeing the high school journey come to an end and watching graduates prepare for the next step in life, whether that means college, the workforce, military service or another path. But there is also some sadness in leaving behind the teachers, staff members and friendships that helped shape the four years of the high school experience.

Both local high schools held their graduation ceremonies this past week. Hamilton Southeastern Schools had photographers on hand to capture some of the moments experienced by graduates, their families and others in attendance.

Here are a few of those moments, as provided by the HSE Schools staff.