After years of teachers, tests and ticking clocks, an estimated 1,662 Houston County public school students finally have earned their high school diplomas.

Graduates picked up their diplomas this weekend at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry.

Perry High School began the festivities Friday night when about 260 graduates received their diplomas.

Ceremonies continued at the fairgrounds Saturday, with graduations for the Houston County Career and Technology Center, Warner Robins, Houston County and Northside high schools.

The Houston County school system estimated there were 50 graduates from the Career and Technology Center, 442 from Warner Robins High, 484 from Houston County High and 426 from Northside High.