Photos: Tri-County Educational Center Graduation

There were tears and cheers Wednesday as approximately 130 students graduated during two ceremonies at .

Enrollment at the Southfield center for adult and alternative learning – which serves approximately 15 districts in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties – has grown so much in recent years that more than one ceremony was needed to accommodate all of the 2011 graduates.

TCEC Dean Mindy Nathan led the festivities, which also were attended by school staff and teachers; Berkley Board of Education President Marc Katz and Treasurer Randy Travis; Director of Schools and Human Resources Dennis McDavid; and representatives from Oak Park and Southfield.

But the real stars were the graduates, who had the spirited crowd clapping, cheering and on their feet.

After each ceremony, the lawn at BHS was packed with proud friends and family snapping photos with grads.

"I always feel very overwhelmed because it's such a big investment getting them here," TCEC's Nathan said between countless hugs from students, grads and family members. "It's sad. But, it's happy sad."