Saturday’s Warren County R-III commencement ceremony encompassed a wide range of emotions. The graduation began with teardrops sparked by sadness from the absence of Class of 2019 member Megan Gross, who lost her life in a car accident in September. It ended with raindrops that seemed to pour joy and evoke laughter from the group of 240 seniors.In their eyes, Gross was as present as ever.“It was Megan who brought this rain upon us,” said graduate Brady Weir. “It was her last senior prank to us. As Megan’s mom said, she got us all. I was expecting her to pull something looking down from heaven. She was a friend to all of us.”Gross’ mom, Carma, walked across the stage to receive a diploma in her daughter’s memory. She clung tight to a poster of Megan wearing her volleyball uniform.“I’d say Megan wanted to rain happiness on everyone, and that’s what the rain came as,” said graduate Nevan Schleuter.Crowded into the high school commons with hundreds of their closest friends and relatives, Schleuter and his classmates made a dash for cover after the final graduate crossed the stage. The cheers had gotten progressively louder as the narrator frantically sped up the rate at which she read off the names of the seniors. Graduates held onto their caps and hair covered their faces as photos were snapped.As the Class of 2019 tossed their personally decorated caps into the air, the sky opened up and nobody seemed to care.“It was pretty cool watching the rain come in a wave,” said graduate Andrew Hodgson. “We were wondering who would be the last one to make it across before the rain started coming.”As part of the abbreviated ceremony, which was cut short after clouds moved in unexpectedly early, Assistant Principal Sharyl Kelsch addressed the Warrenton community for the final time. She will depart the district after this school year for an administrative role at Fatima.This year’s keynote speaker was WHS graduate Nicci Fears, who encouraged the class with practical advice, reminding them to take care of their health and practice self-care.Student speakers Katie Carter and Garrett Sommer delivered messages of hope and humor, reflecting on their educational experience and social memories.Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith says the district watched the forecast closely and was determined that it could work around the window of rain on Saturday.“We looked at the weather and thought we had two hours, and the storm just came in faster than we thought,” said Klinginsmith. “We were glad everyone was able to get into the building. Every student got their name called, and we had a memorable graduation.”Had the event been moved inside, many spectators would have missed out on witnessing the graduation of a loved one.“We knew that if we had it in the gym we would have to tell some people they couldn’t bring as many people as they wanted,” said Klinginsmith. “This is a day of celebration and joy for families, so we didn’t want to have to do that.”

Graduating members of the Warrenton High School Class of 2019 celebrate the conclusion of their commencement ceremony on Saturday. Pictured, from left, Brady Nelson and Sam Heath cheer as the last few of their classmates cross the stage to receive their diplomas. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe

Carma Gross, pictured at right, the mother of 2019 senior Megan Gross, carries a volleyball photo of her daughter across the graduation stage as she receives Megan’s diploma from Warren County R-III School Board Member Franci Schwartz. Megan lost her life in a car accident in September. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe