Many parents arrived promptly at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 8, to grab gym bleacher seats to watch their 308 East Central High School teens graduate.

“I’m excited, but I’m going to miss him,” said Christine Wentzel, Cincinnati, of son Mitchell Strobl, the oldest of four. The DePauw University-bound students is “a great role model for them.” According to Jane Fliehman, Bright, “I’m holding back the tears because this is such a special day. He made it!” she said of son Kyle, her oldest.

As he prepared to see only child Tiffany Koons march in wearing a cap and gown, dad Eugene, Milan, noted that graduating from high school “is something I never did.” He was hopeful the future University of Evansville pharmacy student will “do good in life.” Steve Prickel, Batesville, was feeling “happy and proud” for Justin. He was optimistic his third of four children “will accomplish what he sets out to do” and also remain “a man of God and (that) he keeps true to his faith.”

As a group of female seniors sang “The Rose,” one relative waved a poster-sized sign for Matt Miller.

After the graduates-to-be filed in, principal Donel Criswell announced, “I’ve watched many of them grow into fine young people.” He asked classmates to turn to their left to face parents, who gave them a prolonged standing ovation. Then they turned to the right, beaming at friends and other relatives. The principal had the faculty rise and the seniors applauded them.

The ceremony turned patriotic when Criswell asked for a moment of silence to remember military members “who made the ultimate sacrifice and to other soldiers in Iraq.” He asked past and present veterans to stand to appreciative clapping, and urged the seven male seniors who have enlisted to rise.

Student body President Ashley Hartman observed, “For once, we are all dressed alike .... It is our differences that make us unique, promising individuals.”

She said their high school years offered many “special moments that took our breath away,” from making T-shirts during Homecoming Week to “our first love and heartache.” Hartman also recalled “two beloved classmates” who had died. The president advised, “Never hesitate to reach for the stars ... (and) never forget your roots.”

One-third of the class, 101 seniors, earned Indiana Academic Honors Diplomas by attaining grade-point averages of at least 3.0, said guidance director Jacqueline Blair, who introduced them. Assistant principal Robert Shipley announced the names of 33 honors graduates achieving at least 3.8 GPAs. Six had perfect 4.0s, but some went even higher. Nine seniors hit 4.1 and two, Jenna Clark and Ian Rubenstein, earned 4.2s.

Senior class President Kristi Wolfram praised the administration and teachers for “expanding our knowledge and preparing us not just for today,” but the future. She told fellow students, “We have matured into people ready to take on whatever life throws our way ... Take what you have learned and use it to get the things you want in life.”

Criswell had a few more pointers before diplomas were handed out: “Take time to work – it’s the source of success. Take time to play – it’s the secret of perpetual youth.” As each exited the stage, he gave the new grad a red carnation to give “to someone who was instrumental” in the teen’s success.

In a continuing tradition, beach balls were batted around, then tassels were turned.

Angie Eckhoff, who will play soccer at Aurora University near Chicago, was looking forward to “getting a great education and getting out to see new things.” Sarah Evans, planning to marry in a year, felt “very warm. I want to sit down. My feet are hurting.”

Nicole Koschmeder, also heading to DePauw, was “kind of in shock. I can’t believe it’s finally over.” Zack Howe said graduating was “a lot to take in at one time. It really doesn’t sink in.” After working this summer, he will major in engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Zach Ray plans to have a good career in the Air Force “and to retire early.”