Words and Photos: Lien Hoang
Centennial High School’s graduation for the class of 2017 occurred on Monday, May 22, at 8 p.m. Seniors have been preparing for the ceremony with two rehearsals held in the past week. The ceremony went smoothly as students celebrated the moment they left high school after four long years of hard work.
To start the graduation, students gave musical performances to entertain guests. Several sung, the band played, a trio put on a special show by performing a piece both arranged and accompanied by Centennial pianist Ken Chen. After that, lengthy speeches were given by student speakers like Neil Rabb and Maryam Elhabashy; principal Ms. Hafets; interim school superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano; the seniors’ teacher of the year, Mr. Whitaker; county executive Allan Kittleman, and a few others.
Then, the moment all seniors have been waiting for occurred: they received their diplomas. Students lined up and walked across the stage as their names were called, offering Hafets hugs and words of thanks.
The ceremony ended with excited and happy parents and guests awaiting to see the graduates. Merriweather Post Pavilion was crowded as eager guests tried to take pictures with the graduating class. These graduates are now ready to begin a new chapter in their lives and will continue to soar as Eagles.
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