463 members of Staples High School’s Class of 2014 received diplomas today.
It was a day of pomp and circumstance. And speeches, songs, cheers and a few tears.
This was Staples’127th commencement. But this stuff never gets old.
Assistant principal Rich Franzis, with a few of the graduates moments before entering the fieldhouse.
Wyatt Davis gets ready for the processional. He’s joined by his peer buddy Taylor Harrington, and longtime friend Sharon Magera-Gunter.
Proud dad Josh Moritz holds up a larger-than-lifesize cutout of his son Michael.
Mike Zito mans the control booth, for the TV broadcast of graduation.
What’s a graduation without a celebratory cigar?
After graduation, it’s time to party. The Leonard and Colwell families posed at the Compo Beach marina. Charlie Leonard is at center. His grandmother, Paula Leonard, graduated from Staples in 1952; his grandfather Dick began teaching at Staples in 1956. This year marks the last Leonard family graduation — after 62 years.
Staples grads proudly signed posters announcing their post high-school plans. Goodbye and good luck, Class of 2014!