Eighty-six Huntingdon High School seniors graduate Monday

Eighty-six Huntingdon High School graduates received their diplomas in Monday night’s commencement
ceremony at Paul Ward Stadium at 6 p.m.
The ceremony was held under a partial cloudy sky that looked as if it might rain, but never did with the sun
peaking in and out. The regular scheduled ceremony was set for Sunday evening but due to rain was reset for
Monday.
The seniors marched to their seats to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” but unlike other indoor graduations, it
was not played by the band, but was a recorded version.
It was called a historic graduation because it was the first ever to be held on the football field.
Seating was limited with the six-foot distance apart followed as was the seating for the graduates.
Principal Dr. Jonathan Kee said the situation for graduation looked bleak for awhile, but they were bound and
determined to have one for the graduates, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
The invocation was given by Merriett Willis followed by the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” by Brooke
Cooper.
Senior Class President Abby Stokes gave the welcome. Dr. Kee presented the top ten students and the 19
distinguished scholars.
The salutatorian’s address was given by Katie Simpson followed by the valedictorian’s speech by Adyn Swenson.
Three special scholarship awards were presented by Dr. Kee.
Beta Club members were recognized by Kensley Crossno. Several special guests passed out special scholarships.
The presentation of diplomas was done by Dr. Lee Carter, chairman of the Board of Education; and board
members Paul Stokes and Jerry Morris with director of schools Pat Dillahunty acknowledging their names.
The Passing of the Torch ceremony each year after the awarding of the diplomas is always impressive with the
senior president passing it to the junior president. This year Abby Stokes passed it to junior class president Carter
Cary.
Huntingdon Alumni representative Barry Mac Murphy welcome the graduates to Alumni Association.
The Alma Mater was sung by Brooke Cooper with Noah Belew saying the benediction.
Closing remarks were made by Dr. Kee.
Graduates released blue and gold balloons and tossed their caps twice in celebration of the occasion.