The week prior to commencement on May 8 was filled with more than finals anxiety.

Conflicting weather forecasts had administration and graduates alike wondering just where graduation would be held. If moved indoors, this would be the first time two separate ceremonies would be held. If outdoors, the largest graduating class would fill Seth Grove Stadium.

The day was near perfect. A small fire in Memorial Auditorium added excitement to the hooding ceremonies for the masters’ candidates and made several participants run a little late for the ceremony at the stadium. But none of that dampened the excitement as approximately 1,100 graduates received their degrees in front of family and friends.

Judge Carol McGinley (pictured left), chair of the Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission, gave the address. She spoke about the importance of mentors where individuals choose to become the students of people they want to learn from. The ceremony closed with President Ceddia telling the graduating class, “We’re very, very, proud of you today.”