More than 200 graduate from Milton High
Photo Gallery
MILTON — The 220 graduates of Milton High School’s class of 2008 filed down the foyer stairs Sunday afternoon, snagging one last hug as parents and family broke away to find a prime viewing spot in the school’s gymnasium.
“His name was in the program. Yes!” exclaimed one excited mother.
Farther down the hall, anxious graduates sat around cafeteria tables, cameras and belongings sprawled in front of them. Many still had not donned their caps and gowns in hopes of staying cool in the muggy air.
“Not fair, you can’t make me cry yet,” one Lady Red Hawk said, her statements echoing throughout the room.
Guests waited on bleachers lining the walls of the Red Hawks’ gym. Those without tickets sat in the cafeteria, watching a projection screen feeding live images from the ceremonies around the corner.
Excitement and anticipation buzzed through the lower cafeteria as officials called names to have graduates file into processional lines.
“Katie, I don’t think we’re ready for life, yet,” Lindsay Tilly told her friend.
“Oh, yes we are,” Katie Englund responded.
Ushers corralled stragglers as they hustled to make it to their spot in line on time.
“Walk and smile,” one official told the graduates as they passed. “Mom’s taking your picture.”
Among the excitement:
-- A handful of graduates quietly distributed black zip-ties to each of their fellow classmates.
“As our senior prank, we zip-tied all of the lockers shut,” said one graduate as she tucked the zip-tie up her sleeve where it would sit during the ceremony.
When graduates crossed the stage with their diploma in hand, they exchanged a handshake with Principal Randy Refsland and handed him the zip-tie mementos.
-- Excitement and joy was universal. Many were ecstatic to have made the accomplishment; others were excited on a more personal level.
“I can’t believe it’s finally here,” graduate Joe Refsland said. “And to not have my dad as my principal anymore is awesome.”
-- Honors graduate speaker Jacob Oberman reflected on lessons learned at Milton High School.
“I toyed with the idea of opening with a reference to the recent movie 300. I could just kick the podium off the stage and yell ‘This … is … Milton!’” bellowing in a raspy, authoritative voice. The crowd erupted in laughter and cheers.
Oberman continued by explaining who was responsible for the graduates’ education.
“Our parents do not need effusive praise, nor do they need an eloquent expression of gratitude,” he said. “They get their reward as we walk across this stage. They know what they’ve done. A simple thank you, though it can never say enough, must say it all.”
After Randy Refsland presented the graduating class of 2008, fountains of silly string erupted, caps and tassels flew, air horns blew and family cheered.
As graduates marched out of the gymnasium toward their future, they did so with their heads held high and silly string on their backs.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.