The overcast cooled down day seemed the perfect weather for Rocky Grove's graduation Thursday night. Parents, friends, relatives, teachers and more got themselves positioned on the soccer field at Valley Grove Elementary School, the graduating class made the walk from the school down the steep steps to their seats in front of the crowd and as the music from the processional stopped, rain drops began to fall.
Fortunately for everyone who did not carry an umbrella, which looked like nearly everyone, the drops were light and before Principal Kelly Hart was done welcoming all to the proceedings the drops stopped falling.
It was, in fact, perfect weather. Cool, dry and no pesky sun blinding the crowd try to see their graduate or take their photo against a backlit stage.
Rocky Grove welcomed 53 graduates to the stage out of 54 diplomas issued to a class who recognized 55. One student could not attend to receive her certificate. Another student, Nathan Luzier, their classmate who was killed two years ago in a car accident was recognized and given a place with the class. A chair was placed with a yearbook, cap and gown with the graduates. Principal Hart asked for a moment of silence.
The class was recognized for what it had to endure losing one of their own and a global pandemic and for its many talents in academics, athletics and the arts. Class President Alex Zinz, Valedictorian Baylee Cutchall and Salutatorian Brianna Barnett all gave speeches acknowledging their journey together and their hopes for everyone's future.
Below are more photos from the event.
To see even more photos from graduation click here:https://sayerrich.zenfolio.com/p715707181
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To see even more photos from graduation click here:https://sayerrich.zenfolio.com/p715707181
Editor's note:
Last night the young man on the left walked up and handed me a card in an envelop.
I have photographed these two in the photo many times over the last few years and each has appeared in my favorite photos of the year at least once. I truly enjoyed following their growth and occasional antics.
I always feel like, and try to be, an on the sidelines observer of the life I document. I admit that I do sometimes get closer than an objective observer should. I get choked up when something doesn't go right for the people I document, feel pride when they accomplish something great, revel in happiness when they laugh and cry a little when they cry. I see how their lives help make up the fabric of the community and that is my hope for my work as a whole - to show that. I really do love what I do and try to make authentic photographs of scenes as they would happen whether I was there or not.
So when I receive a thank you card and a gift for doing what I do, I stand there at a loss for words (which is weird for me) and get a little emotional. There have been many people over the years who have thanked me for covering the community and I'm always taken aback, but I am truly thankful for what people do for me. Thank you Alex Zinz for the very kind words and gift. I've enjoyed getting to know you and your family a little over the years. And D'Andre (Highlight Reel) Whiman for the entertainment of watching you play, especially when you were in the zone. Good luck to you both and everyone in the class of 2023.
I have photographed these two in the photo many times over the last few years and each has appeared in my favorite photos of the year at least once. I truly enjoyed following their growth and occasional antics.
I always feel like, and try to be, an on the sidelines observer of the life I document. I admit that I do sometimes get closer than an objective observer should. I get choked up when something doesn't go right for the people I document, feel pride when they accomplish something great, revel in happiness when they laugh and cry a little when they cry. I see how their lives help make up the fabric of the community and that is my hope for my work as a whole - to show that. I really do love what I do and try to make authentic photographs of scenes as they would happen whether I was there or not.
So when I receive a thank you card and a gift for doing what I do, I stand there at a loss for words (which is weird for me) and get a little emotional. There have been many people over the years who have thanked me for covering the community and I'm always taken aback, but I am truly thankful for what people do for me. Thank you Alex Zinz for the very kind words and gift. I've enjoyed getting to know you and your family a little over the years. And D'Andre (Highlight Reel) Whiman for the entertainment of watching you play, especially when you were in the zone. Good luck to you both and everyone in the class of 2023.
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