2002 Graduation
Graduation 2002
    This year's celebration was, as it usually is, an emotional, exciting, and well-received.  It was a chance for a few students to get the last word in, and a time to celebrate the past, present, and future.  It may have been a bit more rowdy than most commencement celebrations are, but parents and friends willingly displayed their enthusiasm for our students in a way that is part of what makes our school special.
    The evening began with the Seniors marching into the gym to the strains of "Pomp & Circumstance", as played by Mr. David Cooper.  As they filed into their places, it was obvious that another school year is nearing a close.
    Miranda Estrada sang a lovely rendition for an opening prayer, and Devin Durnell led the assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Then, Corey Criss welcomed all the guests to an opportunity to celebrate with a class that, despite its diversity, has grown quite close over the years.
    Dave and Judy Mader surprised the crowd by serving as Bob Hattman's "lifeline", when they came down to the floor, and recalled their joyful moments and appreciation for the faculty in helping them put 8 children successfully through PCHS.  Amazingly, all 7 previous graduates [Denise came in from Alabama, Deena and Debra flew in from New York, and Jon, Jason, Justin (still in Switzerland?), and Jeremy] returned to raucously cheer their former teachers, and congratulate their little bro, Joe on his commencement.
   Salutatorians Brent Hardman and Colleen Tappel gave us plenty to think about in their speeches.  Brent used a "Star Trek" theme to remind us of the journeys the Seniors had made, and encouraged them to "Live Long, and Prosper".  Colleen used her knowledge of Jujitsu etiquette to express her respect for the past (Jesus), present (faculty), and future (fellow students) contributors in her quest for knowledge, understanding, and fulfillment.
   Valedictorian Hanna Khoury reminded his classmates of the fact that they have learned many lessons while in high school, and encouraged them to remember and profit from them all.  The Reverend Russell Wooten gave the commencement address, using an interesting story of 3 trees to illustrate how our plans for the future may be altered by God's master plan, and reminding us that we may achieve greater glory by being receptive to that plan.
   Class Sponsors Joan Zimmerman and Martha Kinsler proudly read off the name of each graduate, leaving an appropriate space for the spirit of the greatly-missed John Smith.
  For any of you who might like to feel older quickly, that's Mr. Hattman's youngest daughter, Angela, racing by to grab her diploma from Father Bell, and Mr. Woody's daughter, Cheryl, who paused to pose with Father Bill Matheny before heading on.  In school together since preschool, they are now headed separate ways, Angela on a full ride to Marshall, and Cheryl on a Presidential scholarship to WVU.
Joyous Graduation Moments

Richie Harris proudly accepts his diploma from Board Rep. Yvonne Powderly.
Adam Johnson just made it back from the State Track meet in time.
Joe acknowledges the Mader horde as Father Bell gets a chuckle.

Anne Matthews couldn't help but smile, knowing the distance so many family members had traveled to share this time with her.
R. J. Reiser didn't hold still too long for dad's picture, but we caught him!
Lori Santer made us all proud, and exhibited her usual beautiful smile while taking her folder from Fr. Bill.

Rusty Wooten, headed off to Annapolis in the fall, gleefully accepted his papers from his father.
Mary Ondrusek, as junior class Co-president issued our final "Good-bye"

    The evening ended, as it usually does, with the Senior slide show, which contained a tribute to John Smith that left no dry eyes.  Kyle Criss delivered the benediction, and another 48 graduates exited the front doors, threw their hats into the air, and headed off into history.
 
  , but g