Close to 8,000 people filled the seats in the coliseum, leaving standing room only.
Excitement crackled in the air as the nearly 500 graduates assembled in a meeting hall outside the coliseum to be arranged in alphabetical order.
Then came that triumphal moment - the processional - set to Sir Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance.” The orchestral is so familiar this time of year. It’s associated with all life’s passages that involve a diploma.
The regal march was originally composed for the coronation of King Edward VII, not graduation ceremonies. It became associated with graduations in 1905 when Elgar received an honorary doctorate from Yale University and it was played as the recessional, not processional, in Elgar’s honor.
Graduating at the top of their class, David E. Kline, valedictorian, and Aynsley Young, salutatorian, each delivered an address to the graduates, giving them a glimpse of the future.
Kline spoke on a theme of how money can’t buy happiness.
“So plan your life investments accordingly,” Kline said.
Kline said it is possible to have a career you love along with a good income.
“You can have the best of both worlds.”
Ms. Young delivered her speech on a theme of five suggestions for life based on friendships, wisdom, appreciation, perseverance and hope.
Belton High School Principal Kathy Cook asked the class to rise. With a rustling of vestments, all stood in unison.
“All the requirements for graduation have been met,” she said. “Dr. Baker,” she said turning to the superintendent of schools, “I present to you the graduation class of 2009.
A loud cheer went up.
Dr. Vivian Baker, superintendent of schools, stepped forward.
“We accept these candidates,” she said. Another rousing cheer - louder than the first - thundered through the coliseum.
Dr. Baker said the district prepares students to excel in a changing world.
“We hope that we have led you well to this celebration tonight, which symbolizes your important transition into tomorrow’s world,” Dr. Baker said.
She said a rapidly changing world would be shaped by how people live and work together.
One young woman’s pluck and courage took the night with the biggest surprise of the evening. Summer Skye Old Rock mounted the stairs to the stage to receive her diploma minus her crutches. Miss Old Rock, a Native American, said she has used crutches most of her life because of cerebral palsy.
She dropped her crutches, walked to where Dr. Baker stood, accepted her diploma, turned and walked unaided to the exit stairway where she was hugged by all around her.
Miss Old Rock said she plans to attend Temple College and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor for a degree in criminal justice.
The comment heard most from graduates during the evening was, “I can’t wait to get out of here to go party!”
After the ceremonies, the class headed to Fort Hood to a series of all night parties called Project Celebration.
Two graduates had a special treat before the ceremonies. Ercilia Michelle Cantarero and Kasandra Rae Snyder each had video teleconferences with their fathers who are serving in Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division.
The two dads could be seen on a video screen in the coliseum watching the ceremony.
Maj. Gen. Daniel Bolger, commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, made a taped address to the graduates.
