“You may flip your tassles from left to right.”
For 137 graduates of the Perry High School Class of 2017, those words from Principal Dan Marburger both brought to an end a long wait and signified tremendous achievement.
The varsity gym was nearly filled to capacity Sunday for the Commencement Ceremonies, which began promptly at 2 p.m. as the senior class entered to “Pomp and Circumstance” played on piano by Instrumental and Vocal Music Directors Brandon Weeks and Jenn Nelson.
Retiring Superintendent Lynn Ubben spoke the class, after which the Concert Choir performed “Oye” by Papoulis/ed. Nunez.
Bluejay Congress President Kevin Lopez — after posing for a selfie on stage, with the class sitting in the background — offered a grateful speech. He thanked numerous faculty members and others at the school while praising his mother and several other adults for the advice and guidance he had been given.
Sarah Sweet, Senior Class President, also offered many notes of thanks. She asked her classmates to look around them and recall the many memorable moments they had shared with each other, for now that graduation had arrived the paths of their lives would send them all in different directions.
Principal Dan Marburger called each senior by name to cross the stage and receive their diploma, moments at which many cameras and phone cameras were lifted and many cheers offered. Marburger was joined in presenting diplomas by Ubben, Perry School Board President Kyle Baxter and Directors Kenia Alarcon and Linda Andorf.
As tassles were flipped silly string and confetti shot into the air as students smiled and hugged each other while the crowd stood and applauded.
The class recessed to “Military March No. 1” by Elgar (who also composed “Pomp and Circumstance”) with many mingling around the building for photos with family and friends before dispersing to any number of parties and celebrations.
