Schools
Kirkwood High Graduation Elicits Tears, Laughter, Blow Pop Send-Off
In an emotional graduation ceremony for the Kirkwood High School Class of 2011, the Pioneers celebrated unprecedented academic and athletic accomplishments and bestowed Principal Dave Holley with a touching send-off.
Applause and cheers filled Saint Louis University's Chaifetz Arena as the Class of 2011 strutted in with their caps and gowns.
Former and veteran principal opened the ceremony, talking about how he would miss being the head of KHS. He also welcomed the friends and families of graduates who were able to join the academic celebration and thanked teachers for all of their hard work to help seniors become "the unique individuals they are today."
Holley was followed by the school's National Honors Society president, Mary Claire Kliess, who talked about the seniors' achievements, including how the track team beat a school record at Saturday's meet.
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As the ceremony moved quickly through the first couple of speeches, Sophia Benoit approached the stand to give the commencement speech. Benoit started out by saying how she would like the class of 2011 to continue through life by expanding, whether that means by visiting other states or simply trying the hottest hot sauce at .
After Sophia's speech, the salutatorian, Caitlin Cowan, went on stage to receive her medal. But, as the medal was being put around her neck, the medallion fell off the ribbon, which sent giggles throughout the arena.
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After a few minutes of Holley trying to put the medallion back on with no success, the former principal told her to hold on to her prize. And crowd was shocked when Holley announced that Kirkwood ended up with four valedictorians: Tony Macovic, Abbey Tadros, Sophia Benoit and Charlie Longtime, all received the award because their GPA's were the same, even when examined at the the thousandth degree.
Then the big moment arrived. Students paraded across the stage, some with tears in their eyes while other did a quick dance before they shook Holley's hand. And in a touching gesture, before students received their diplomas, each one dropped a Blow Pop with a special note into a box as a retirement gift for Holley. This was a symbol of appreciation to Holley, because the former principal would give out Blow Pops every Friday.
After every student walked across the stage, the ceremony ended with class of 2011 singing the KHS Alma Mater with their arms wrapped around each other and the traditional hat toss.
What does the future hold for graduates? Check out our photos!