By Derrick ForsytheRecord Staff WriterFor most of the 241 seniors graduating from Warrenton High School, Saturday’s commencement ceremony was a send-off celebration.For Dylan Cosgrove, it was more of a six-month class reunion.As one of seven seniors to have graduated early, earning all necessary credits by December, Cosgrove has been able to accelerate his education by attending East Central College in Union this semester.“When I came back for practice on Thursday, I actually was having trouble remembering everybody, which was weird,” said Cosgrove. “It was nice to catch back up with everybody.”He encourages underclassmen to get involved in extracurricular activities and pursue leadership roles, taking advantage of every opportunity high school has to offer.Jacey Clemens spent much of her morning with fingers crossed in anticipation of graduation being held outside, but rainy weather eventually prompted school officials to move the ceremony into the gymnasium.“I really wanted to graduate outside, so I was looking at the weather all day, and I kept seeing 7 p.m., storms,” said Clemens, who plans to major in sports management at Southeast Missouri State University.Dr. Danny Roach, owner of Hawk Ridge Family Chiropractic in Lake St. Louis, delivered the commencement address. He spoke of the importance of having a plan for their futures and the value of having a strong work ethic and passion toward their endeavors.Regardless of whether they were seeing classmates for the first time in months or the dozenth time in a week, Saturday was about embracing the memories and saying farewell to many friends they may never see again.Those sentiments were shared in the speeches delivered by the four seniors chosen by their fellow classmates.Jessica Jansen, who has Down syndrome, stood alongside best friend Ivy Tinnin and confidently delivered a message of perseverance with a dose of humor.“My goals are to go to college or get a job, but I’m also going to look back on all those great memories I’ve had, like being Homecoming queen and dancing with Ivy’s boyfriend,” quipped Jansen.She emphasized how her peers and teachers at Warrenton High School helped her to accept who she is and face her fears, and Tinnin challenged the entire class to do the same.Ben Stephens, who will attend St. Louis Community College, thanked all the mentors and teachers who have influenced him along his journey, both as a student and baseball player.“The people of Warrenton have had an indescribable impact on my life,” said Stephens. “My passions have grown throughout my life thanks to the mentors in this community.”Elizabeth Nash encouraged her classmates to go out and meet the 3.3 million graduating seniors who are sharing the same anxieties and eagerness they currently are experiencing.“My big point is not that we’re all insignificant, because there are millions of us graduating,” said Nash. “My point is that we’re all just as significant and unique as those sitting next to you.”She challenged them to keep an open heart and open mind, and “get ready to meet the Class of 2015” on a universal scale.New 2015 Graduates