A slideshow played on the auditorium screens as students filled every row of seats, their voices reaching the rafters as they eagerly chattered about their futures.
On Friday, May 25, CCHS hosted the Class of 2018’s graduation rehearsal and senior breakfast.
“After being in high school for four years, I was ready for [graduation rehearsal],” senior Casey Carlson said. “I think we are all excited to graduate.”
The Class of 2018 will graduate on Tuesday, June 5 at 7 p.m. at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). The graduation rehearsal allowed seniors to learn how to prepare for the big day.
“I think we are all excited to graduate.”
Graduation committee member and TV production teacher Alfredo Pichardo led the rehearsal, reiterating graduation rules and procedure. To the cheers of many seniors, Pichardo announced that the Class of 2018 is the first graduating class of CCHS allowed to decorate their graduation caps.
“[The Class of 2018] has the honor to have their caps decorated,” Pichardo said. “That’s a privilege, so [I hope they] don’t abuse it.”
Pichardo and 12th Grade Assistant Principal Vera Perkovic went over the restrictions for cap decorations, which exclude any three-dimensional or offensive designs. Seniors wishing to decorate their caps must submit a form, which can be found on the CCHS website, to Perkovic by Friday, June 1.
Pichardo announced that the Class of 2018 is the first graduating class of CCHS allowed to decorate their graduation caps.
Seniors that do not follow the guidelines for cap decorations will have their cap confiscated at graduation and will not receive their diploma when they walk the stage. Principal Wendy Doll stressed the importance of only inspirational, celebratory, Cowboy pride and post-secondary designs being used to add a personal touch to graduation caps.
“Please keep positive thoughts and actions in mind as you’re being creative,” Principal Doll said.
Good Vibe Tribe: 2018 We are the first class to do this. Make me proud @cchs_2018 #classy #inspirational #positive pic.twitter.com/LfA4VBALeq
— Mrs. Angela Lawrence (@ALawrence2018) May 25, 2018
The graduation committee recommended that seniors leave any unnecessary items, such as purses, at home on graduation day. Due to increased security at NSU, carrying such items could result in delays from bag searches and pat-downs.
Though some graduates may not be able to bring all of their loved ones to graduation, Pichardo insisted that no one needs to miss out on seeing the Class of 2018 receive their diplomas. Cowboy Television (CTV) will be broadcasting the event online, which means any graduates’ family members unable to attend or serving overseas will still be able to witness this milestone.
In addition to covering seating arrangements, how to walk the stage and how graduates will be handed their diplomas, Pichardo announced that the Class of 2018 President, Jessica Less, will lead the turning of the tassels.
Cowboy Television (CTV) will be broadcasting the event online.
Amidst the excitement of rehearsing graduation, many seniors were made aware of how rapidly their post-secondary lives are approaching.
“It was a tangible wake-up call that college is around the corner,” senior Sarah Sarver said.
After graduation rehearsal, the seniors headed over to the cafeteria for breakfast. The Class of 2019 officers passed out food from many Cowboys’ favorite fast-food restaurant, Chick-fil-A. Seniors were handed chicken biscuits, fruit, cookies, salad and lemonade. While eating, laughing with friends and signing yearbooks, many reminisced about the time they have spent at CCHS.
The Class of 2019 officers passed out food from many Cowboys’ favorite fast-food restaurant, Chick-fil-A.
“I’m really proud of the work the officers and I have done this year,” Class of 2018 Recording Secretary Kaitlyn Capote said. “I can’t wait to see what everyone accomplishes in the future.”
With graduation rehearsal and senior breakfast behind them, the Class of 2018 seems to have their sights set on graduation and the years to follow. But CCHS staff and administration are still preparing their goodbyes to the seniors as Tuesday, June 5 steadily becomes closer.
“I just can’t wait for all the great things they’re going to do,” Perkovic said. “It’s a little emotional because we all love them. It’s an awesome class. But it’s also very exciting to see them step into the bigger world.”
Photo by Abbie Tuschman
