Schools

Chatham High School Class of '10 Revels in Rain-Soaked Ceremony

Shortened program does nothing to dampen the spirits of graduates.

The rain started at Chatham High School's graduation about a half-hour into Tuesday's ceremony, while students were receiving their diplomas.

But the students made the most of the less-than-ideal situation, cheering when there was a particularly loud burst of thunder and batting several beach balls through the air. As some audience members pulled out umbrellas and made their way to cover, the seniors reveled in the situation as they sat on the fields behind the school, where the ceremony was held. (See several videos of the ceremony at right and a full photo gallery here.)

For a class with a lively spirit—members placed balloons throughout the high school lobby for their senior prank—it was a fitting end to their senior year. Students had previously attended an awards ceremony and gone to prom together.

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Valedictorian Cameron White spoke early on in the ceremony, before the rains came and after the class had made an emotional walk down the aisle to "Pomp and Circumstance." He first paid homage to Brian Bernstein, a member of the class who was in a car accident last summer and died in March from his injuries.

"Before his passing, however, in the face of all of the challenges set against him, he finished his high school studies with the aid of school district tutors and received his diploma," White said.

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He then asked the audience to stand and salute "the first graduate of the class of 2010." His words were met with thunderous applause.

White then went on to outline the reasons he felt this year's class would succeed.

"There is an infectious likeability that spans every personality and no one is a stranger," White said. "I've heard many people—including some outside our class—comment on the tight bond that exists among us."

Because of that, he said, students have been equipped with networking skills that will carry them in the future.

He also praised Chatham for being a fantastic place to grow up.

"There is something about this town that is special," White said. "Nurturing, is how I think of it."

Superintendent Jim O'Neill joked afterward that his and Principal Darren Groh's final gift to the class was that the two would "forgo our speeches so we have time to present your diplomas." The skies were already somewhat menacing at that point, and as a result, the ceremony was shortened.

But each of the 244 graduates was called up to the stage to receive their diploma, even as the rain poured (and even as some didn't physically get their diploma until afterward for fear the rain would soak the important document).

Board of Education President Steve Barna was the final podium-goer who didn't speak because of the weather, instead only telling the seniors to switch their tassels.

Soon afterward, the class of 2010 was throwing hats into the air before rushing out of the rain into the high school gym, where a reception—and, who knows, what else?—was waiting.

Stay tuned for more graduation coverage—we'll soon have an article on Teacher of the Year Margaret O'Hara and a list of scholarship and award winners. We also want your photos from the ceremony, parties, Project Graduation, or just about anything else! Send them to zach@patch.com.


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