Sunday afternoon in Changnon Gymnasium, 284 Seniors took the walk across the Mt. Vernon Township High School Graduation stage and started out into the rest of their lives. They were surrounded by cheers and applause in a packed Changnon Gymnasium.
They were led into the stage by the familiar strains of Pomp and Circumstance, performed by the MVTHS band, led by director and teacher David Mateyka.
The MVTHS Choir, including a large number of Seniors, performed "Remember Me" for the crowd. Director Chelci Holden said the choir had selected the song and dedicated it, as a wish and a thank you to all of their families, as well as the staff and teachers at MVTHS.
Supt. LeCrone began by welcoming the community and by asking all of the parents, grandparents, guardians, siblings and other family members to stand. He then encouraged the students to, "take a look around; look at all of the people who have poured into your lives and remember to take some time to thank them today."
He then congratulated the graduates, " It has been our sincere pleasure to work with all of you throughout your high school career. You have had a tremendous impact on MVTHS over the last four years through your success and leadership both in and out of the classroom... The mission of MVTHS is to provide opportunities that empower students to pursue pathways of success through school and life beyond graduation. Students, I hope you will look back on your time at MVTHS with the satisfaction of making the most of those opportunities and taking pride in the success you have experienced. Congratulations...."