By Derrick Forsythe, Record Staff Writer
Warrenton High School awarded diplomas to 235 seniors during its commencement ceremony this past Saturday, amidst sunny skies and a plethora of unexpected surprises.Moped parades, emergency sirens and curious children running onto the stage would bring humor to an already joyous event, as friends of many years spent some of their final moments together.Seniors displayed their unique interests and career paths by decorating their graduation caps with quotes, flowers, crowns, cattle and airplanes.Many celebrated in their own way while crossing the stage, breaking out in dance or simply throwing up their arms and letting out a yell of relief and satisfaction during a proud moment.Commencement speaker Mike Dalton opened the ceremony by sharing his story of how he turned his passion for creating YouTube prank videos as a student in Bill Brown’s AV class to an accomplished career in cinematography in just five years.Dalton, who works for Bruton Strobe Studios and is a 2012 graduate, implored the students to pursue their own passion and left them with key principles that have proven successful in his own journey.“I encourage you to discover what it is you want out of life and go earn it,” he said. “Earn it, live it every day and do not look back on this life with any regrets.”The Warrenton High School Concert Choir performed “Lonesome Road” and the band played “Zeus: King of the Gods.”Senior Class Vice President Macie Sommer delivered her speech through a myriad of distractions in the background, sharing with the audience about the many accomplishments of the Class of 2017.Class President Justin Rice reminisced about making music videos with his friends, playing baseball and holding leadership roles within the school. He implored his classmates to stay connected through social media.To conclude the ceremony, diplomas were awarded to students who will venture away on many different paths.Brendon Cotner spent much of his time as a WHS student attending technical school at Four Rivers Career Center and plans to pursue a trade at State Tech in Linn.Justin Atkinson plans to attend Full Sail University Online to become a video game designer and was inspired by the array of class offerings at WHS.“I really liked my Project Lead the Way classes during my time here,” said Atkinson.Devon Norman said he will miss playing football under the lights on Friday nights.“My favorite memory was Homecoming when I got a really big sack and stop on fourth down,” said Norman, who plans to attend St. Charles Community College and ultimately return to the football field at a four-year school.Brandon Longacre, center left, and Leah Long, front, proceed to their seats among the procession of high school seniors during the Warren County School District's graduation on Saturday, May 13. Record photos/ Derrick Forsythe.
