SENIORS SOON WILL GRADUATE

BENTON -- They couldn't all place first in their class, but the 60 seniors at Thomas W. Kelly High School were the first in the area to graduate Friday night.

Cape Girardeau and Notre Dame high school seniors will be the last to graduate this year.

"I think we're getting out before some of the colleges," said Kelly senior Brian Choate.

Southeast Missouri State University will hold its commencement ceremonies today at 2 p.m. at the Show Me Center.

Kelly Principal Tom Allen said the early graduation date was related to the few snow days in the district. "We're getting out a little early and I like that," he said, adding that students also were agreeable. "They're excited and we're excited."

About 1,200 people were expected to fill the gymnasium Friday night to watch friends, neighbors and relatives receive their diploma.

The tradition of graduation exercises dates to the Middle Ages when universities recognized students who completed course work. The mortarboard caps and flowing gowns are fashioned after European academic dress.

Kelly students donned red gowns, caps and gold cords during practice and class pictures Friday morning. Despite the formality of their dress, students seemed impatient for the day to end.

"I just want to get out of here," one student said from the back row while waiting for pictures to be taken. "It's hot," others complained.

But the early practice was designed to iron out the kinks before the "real" ceremony, Allen said, adding that one student's gown didn't fit. But everything was corrected before the 8 p.m. ceremony.

As the temperatures rose inside the gymnasium, so did emotions for many students. Some were teary-eyed while others had already shed tears and vowed not to do it again.

"The year just flew by," said Bekky King. "I don't think it's hit me yet."

Choate agreed. "It's been kind of exciting, but it's still hard to believe."

Some parents who attended practice agreed. "I remember when she was just a baby," one mother said. "It doesn't seem like they are old enough for this."

But the students all seemed ready for the world that awaits them. For some, it is a 40-hour work week; others will enter college.

"I think I'm ready," Choate said. "I know it will take some adjusting to everything, but I'll enjoy it."

A majority of the students also attended an all-night Project Graduation party at the Southeast Missouri State University Recreation Center.

Ceremonies at Central and Notre Dame are both set for May 31. A baccalaureate service for Central seniors will be May 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Convention Center.

GRADUATION

Area graduation ceremonies

Today

Southeast Missouri State University

Friday, May 17

Oak Ridge High School

Scott County High School

Zalma High School

Saturday, May 18

Advance High School

Anna-Jonesboro High School

Meridian High School

Shawnee High School

Sunday, May 19

Chaffee High School

Delta High School

Leopold High School

Marquand-Zion High School

Oran High School

Woodland High School

Wednesday, May 22

Sikeston High School

Thursday, May 23

Jackson High School

Meadow Heights High School

Friday, May 24

Egyptian High School

Perryville High School

St. Vincent's High School

Scott City High School

Sunday, May 26

Cairo High School

Friday, May 31

Cape Central High School

Notre Dame High School