By Morgan Buerke, Editor

Graduation will take place on June 2, starting off with a rehearsal at 9 a.m. and then bussing to the NIU Convocation Center for the 11 a.m. ceremony.

This is the second year with NIU as a venue, which was originally switched from the high school gym due to capacity and heat problems.

“The plus is that we don’t have air conditioning in the gym, but NIU has air conditioning,” said Cynthia Violett, counselor and organizer of graduation.

The morning’s events include an opening speech from Principal Chip Hickman, a speech from senior class president Ashlyn Slamans, the honoring of Knights of Distinction, speeches made by the salutatorian and valedictorian, the handing out of diplomas, performances by the senior choir and Madrigals and a final closing speech made by class vice-president Carolina Tovar.

Some students are excited for graduation and leaving for bigger and better things.

“[I’m looking forward to] walking up on stage, seeing all my friends from high school for the last time,” senior Will Teevans said.

Senior Trever Heinle said he’s excited for “being done with high school and starting a new chapter in my life.”

However, graduation’s freedom is often bittersweet.

“[Graduation is important] for people to go onto college and move on, to try something new,” senior Kelly Evers said. “I’m going to miss my younger friends, but other than that, I’m excited to leave.”

Seniors ordered their cap and gown in the fall and should have picked them up the week of April 15. Girls will be in white and boys in black.

“Commencement is the end to a new beginning,” Violett said. “It’s to close up their high school years and start a new beginning in honor of their hard work.”