The more than 350 Shelby County High School graduates had a lot to celebrate as they received their diplomas Friday night. But the evening also took on a somber tone as they honored a classmate who died tragically in a car crash earlier this week.

18-year-old Samantha Mathus-Cooper was killed Tuesday when the car she was riding in spun out of control and crashed into a fence along a rural road. Three other young people in the car were injured in the crash.

Mathus-Cooper's classmates wore white ribbons bearing her initials in her honor during the graduation ceremony at the Frankfort Civic Center. There was also a moment of silence to observe the loss. A table bearing her picture and dozens of flowers was placed by the stage.

Mathus-Cooper recently married and was reported to have been very excited about her life beyond high school.