Mother Nature put a damper on Newton-Conover High School's graduation Thursday.
When rain started pouring down three hours before graduation, commencement was moved indoors to the gym, effectively cutting seating in half and limiting the 172 seniors to six tickets apiece.
Senior Cecilia Chavez was angry.
"I had people come from Georgia to see me graduate," she said. "They'll have a party for me Friday instead."
She said she was excited to be graduating, but nervous, too. She plans to go to college in Mexico, where she's from.
Fellow senior Ryan Rights said he was upset at seeing the rain, too.
"Some of my family had to stay home," he said. "I let them decide who got to come."
Once the first strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" began to play, though, all was forgiven. As the seniors walked, strutted and strode into the gym, family members periodically called out seniors' names and clapped. Soon the whole audience was on its feet, clapping and cheering for the graduates.
Don Patrick, retiring athletic director and football coach for Newton-Conover High School, spoke at graduation. He told graduates they should be careful what they wish for.
"For years, you have asked for independence, no rules and no curfew. I have news for you: It's right around the corner," he said. "With it, you have personal responsibility to yourself and consequences with the decisions you make. In the next four years, you will make some important decisions that will impact your life forever. That comes with your independence."
He said they should always set goals for themselves, be true to themselves and value the people closest to them.
Valedictorian Samantha Yaussy told students that regardless of what they chose to do after high school, they have a support system.
"The teachers have given you the tools to help you," she said. "The parents will be there to badger, encourage, demand and guide you. Go forth to pursue your future, because we are ready to face it. We have the most solid support system."
Yaussy said the Class of 2009 must remember that what each person ultimately does is up to him or her.
"We can do whatever we want. It is time to throw our caps, gather our courage and get out there," she said. "No matter what we do with our lives, it's up to us."
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