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On June 7 the FHN seniors gathered for the last time at the Family Arena. Graduation started at 3 p.m. with the school board entering before the seniors. After the seniors the color guard was presented by American Legion Post 312. The National Anthem and Alma Mater were then performed by the seniors of Knightsound. The Graduation Marshall Address was then read by Greg Hennefent. Principal Andrew Downs gave the welcome speech shortly after. The first student speech, entitled ‘The Memories That Make Us’ of the ceremony was written by soccer player Abigail Griffin, but because she was at state for soccer it was performed by another student. Downs then gave a commencement address before the second speech ‘Change: It’s a Good Thing’, was read by Liz Mayer. Finally the diplomas were presented by the school board and Downs.

At 3:45 p.m, about halfway through the diplomas, the tornado sirens went off and the graduates were forced to seek shelter in the hall. After about 15 minutes the graduates returned to ceremony, only to be forced to evacuate again at 4:15 p.m. A few minutes later the ceremony was allowed to proceed. The rest of graduation went on unhindered. After all the diplomas were finally handed out Clayton Kohler gave the final speech, ‘720 Days’. The senior class presented the banner with their class motto, take the world as you find it, but leave it a better place. Senior class president Caitlyn Gardner and the other class officers led in the turning of the tassels and tossing of the cap.

Due to the time constraints the senior ensemble’s version of Imagine Dragons’ ‘It’s Time’ was cut out of the ceremony. (photos by ashleigh jenkins, abby temper, ariel kirkpatrick, and mckenzie shae)