Crystal Lake Central Gives Graduates Sentimental Sendoff

Every seat in the Crystal Lake Central field house was taken on Saturday.

Inclement weather forced school officials to hold graduation ceremonies indoors. Parents and relatives packed the upper balcony, bleachers and a portion of the main floor.

Central honored 382 seniors during the 2012 commencement program. Of those, 41 students graduated with honors, earning a grade-point-average of 4.0 or higher, school officials said.

The ceremony was marked with sentimental musical selections performed by the Central band and choir. And a 2012 slideshow shared highlights and achievements from the past year.

"Like" Crystal Lake Patch on Facebook

Central valedictorian Stuart Streit and salutatorian Michelle Wilson addressed their classmates, reminiscing about their time at the school and offering inspirational words of encouragement to their fellow students.

Central Principal Steven Olson presented the Class of 2012 to the audience, and school staff members read the names of the graduates before student council co-president delivered once last farewell speech.

Combined, the four schools serving Community High School District 155 honored 1,715 graduates on Saturday.