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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) - Sarah Palin, arguably one of the most well-known women in the Republican Party in the last several years, is scheduled to visit to Madison County next week.

Dr. David Copeland, Madison County Superintendent, confirms to WHNT News 19 Palin will speak at New Hope High School's graduation ceremony.

The event is next Wednesday, May 21 at 8 p.m. at the Von Braun Center. It is an event that requires tickets, Dr. Copeland said.

"What an honor for the students of New Hope High to hear such a prominent speaker as Mrs. Palin," Dr. Copeland said. The students got the news at school on Tuesday morning.

Palin is a former vice presidential candidate, the first Republican woman to get the party's nomination. She ran on the Republican ticket with Sen. John McCain in 2008. She also served as governor of Alaska from 2006-2009. She currently works as a political commentator and endorses various Republican candidates for state and federal office.

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To maintain the integrity of New Hope's graduation ceremony, attendance will be limited to the schools, businesses, and communities of New Hope and Owens Cross Roads that support the vision of the school and the accomplishments of the students and educators in the Madison County School District.

UPDATE: There were a limited number of tickets made available to the general public. They have been distributed -- no more are left. All tickets were free.

New Hope High School Principal Lavell Everett will provide adequate tickets for the graduates and their family and friends, as well as the New Hope High community, according to Geraldine Tibbs, spokesperson for Madison County Schools.

Principal Everett said he is proud of the way Palin's visit came together.

"It's the relationship with the people over the years, dealing with the kids and grandkids, spending time talking, and going to them with needs," said Everett.

Everett has been part of the New Hope community for 11 years.

"Someone is familiar with Mrs. Palin. That's how the relationship started. I requested her. I wrote the letter to see if she would and she did."

WHNT News 19 asked who is paying for Palin's visit. The school system said the cost is being covered by an anonymous donor from the New Hope area. The school and school system will not pay for any of the costs.

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