Photo Gallery: GHS Seniors Look to the Future at Graduation Ceremony

Despite , the futures of Geneva High School seniors looked bright at the Class of 2011 Graduation Ceremony.

Blair Dunbar, who opened the commencement program, spoke about the future and the limitless, ever-changing lives of her fellow seniors. Fellow graduate Bradley Bernhard closed the ceremony with a funny speech that also looked to the future.

Senior class speaker Kevin McDowell garnered a standing ovation in response to his speech, “Life on a Large Team.” McDowell, an internationally ranked tri-athlete, reflected on his recent diagnosis with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the importance of supporting others in their goals.

Science teacher lightened the mood as he shared advice he had gathered from three generations: students, himself, and some folks at a retirement community. He drew the afternoon’s biggest laugh when he told students to “Dance like the administration is watching—because they are.” The quote was a lighthearted reference to the administration’s recent “no-grinding” policy at school dances.

Principal Tom Rogers held back tears as he said goodbye to the senior class, which included his own daughter.

As the ceremony ended, an “Olympic Fanfare” sounded from the Geneva High School band, and the new graduates stepped out of the gymnasium doors and into the future.