Pomp and Circumstance

Pomp and Circumstance

            My fellow classmates and I are all gathered in the school gym, a buzz of excitement is in the air. Our principal alerts us that it is time to line up and get ready to head out to the football field. Faintly I can hear the band begin to play that march: Pomp and Circumstance. I cannot believe that it is actually here. Graduation has begun! I march out following the four valedictorians who have donned white robes for the occasion. I am in a lovely orange robe that those of us who were graduating with honors had the privilege of wearing. We march out like we practiced several times the day before. The stands are packed with people, everyone is cheering. As I arrive at my chair, I have to wait for the four hundred and sixteen other seniors to arrive at their chair before we all sit down together. As I am sitting on the front row I see three chairs draped in faculty robes, which represent the two teachers and principal that passed away during the year and am reminded that although this evening will be about celebrating, it will also be a somber evening. My best friend Andrew, STUCO president, kicks off the ceremonies with an opening speech, followed by our class president and then our four valedictorians, two of which are also my best friends. Finally after our principal presents us to the superintendent, we begin the march across the stage. Before the ceremonies, I had asked my counselor and close friend Mr. Rickerts if he would be the one to hand me my diploma because he had helped conquer many challenges throughout my high school years. As I receive my diploma from him, we embrace in a hug and I continue across the stage to take a picture with the principal. After arriving back at my seat and watching everyone else receive their diploma, our principal closes the ceremonies and kicks off the fireworks. And so went Graduation.