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Parker grads embark on grand adventure

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JANESVILLE — Green and gold Janesville Parker graduates speckled the field adjacent to Monterey Stadium as the bright afternoon sun made its way toward the horizon.

One woman paused in front of a glass display case on the back of the grandstand to make final adjustments to her cap and gown. Everything needed to be perfect for the Class of 2008’s commencement ceremonies Friday night.

“Four years and I’m done,” shouted a woman in the distance.

The hum of excitement equaled that of the drum of a passing train.

Not a hand was empty as parents and family marched their way toward the festivities. Some toted water, others clutched flowers, but most were lugging cameras with hopes of capturing those final moments at Parker High School.

Many graduates stood grouped with friends, but some gave faculty one last goodbye.

“I learned so much from them,” senior class advisor Bob Luchsinger said looking in the presence of his advisees. “I’m very fortunate to have them. I lucked out!”

Before long, a megaphone began cajoling the 358 graduates into a chaotic, yet ordered line stretching from one parking lot to another.

Parents snapped one last before-picture of their graduate before making their way into the bleachers for the ceremony.

Other memories at the ceremony:

-- Hands clasped caps, squashing them against graduates’ heads in hopes to keep the wind from taking control of their ceremonial garb.

“I’m going to lose it,” said one grad turning away from the wind. Tassels and honor chords whipped about.

-- Graduates agonized about their place in line.

“I don’t want to be first,” Nicole Abb said with a laugh and a hint of nervousness as the megaphone called for graduates to shift.

“We need you to move back, we need more room at the front,” it called out.

-- Spectators lined the top row of the bleachers, looking back with cameras trained on the staggered columns of graduates clamoring for a final photo and wave as the grads filed into the stadium to the traditional Pomp and Circumstance.

-- School Board Commissioner Peggy Sheridan offered her words of wisdom to the sea of anxious grads.

“Today marks the end of some of the most memorable years of your life. You did it,” she said with pride. “A wonderful beginning awaits, but always remember to keep Janesville in your heart.”

-- Faculty advisors also basked in the moment, pausing for a group picture as advisees heckled from the line. Everyone was trying to seize one last memory.

-- Yolanda Murray stood tall as her daughter Danielle posed with her father, Tom Murray.

Yolanda recounted her feelings of anxiousness, excitement and fear as tears began to swell in her eyes. Nearby, Danielle hugged her father before mom stepped in for a photograph.

“I’m proud of her,” Tom Murray said. “I’m glad I made it home,” explaining he’s an over-the-road truck driver and arrived home late Thursday night.

From aspirations of becoming a cardiac surgeon to attending an Illinois technical college to being an automotive technician, commencement was only the beginning for a long future for Parker graduates.

“Right now, I’m really excited,” art teacher hopeful Kyle Kirchner said as he received a hug from a friend. “After that, it’s just seeing where life takes me.”

Click here to view an audio slideshow of the ceremony