The weather was damp and dreary but it scarcely impacted the graduation celebration on the Meridian HIgh School field. With hundreds in attendance and dozens of umbrellas in the stands, the ceremony kicked off with music from the MHS Band and the national anthem from the Chamber Ensemble.
It was the first graduation for Superintendent Dr. Terry Dade who spoke about resilience and persistence. Student Valedictory Scholar Alba Selle focused on the people who inspired her and her fellow graduates, while Eli Kulok, the second Valedictory Scholar speaker brought lots of laughs as he built toward a call to “take control of your lives.”
The class gift was announced by class treasurer, Claire Dassira — a full renovation and upgrade of the memorial brick courtyard in front of the school. Ellia Shin introduced the Commencement Speaker, Vice Principal Rob Carey, who had traveled with this class since their third grade year. He challenged the graduates to embrace discomfort, seek unfamiliar experiences, and resist the pull of a small life. He encouraged the seniors to engage in and challenge the world…