By Tom Fontana
Correspondent

Class of 2015 graduation at Mountain View was rolling along smoothly Saturday morning, June 13, until valedictorian Sabrina Fallon hinted that something a little unusual was about to happen.

“We’re sorry if we made Mr. Presley lose all his marbles,” she apologized to the high school principal on behalf of her classmates . “We hope someday he gets them back.”

Then, as the students’ names were called to accept their diplomas, a congratulatory handshake from Rob Presley included the gift to him of a single round blue marble from each graduate.

Presley, at first taken by surprise, quickly took the return of his ‘marbles’ in stride, casually depositing them in his left pants pocket as he gratefully shook each grad’s hand with his right.

The ceremony opened with video highlights of senior year 2015, followed by the seniors marching to the high school auditorium stage accompanied by “Pomp & Circumstance” nicely played by the school band.

In his remarks, Presley warned the students that they can no longer expect “daily objectives listed on the board” or “multiple choice questions hinting you should choose letter ‘C’.”

“Believe your destiny is to do great things,” he urged them. “Don’t let fears hold you back.
Dream big. You might as well take a shot at doing what you love. Explore every passion, and don’t have regrets. Leave the world more interesting for your being here.”

Sabrina Fallon told her classmates, “Today is not the peak of your success, but the beginning. I know all of you will steer your lives toward something worth sharing.”

Salutatorian Keith Maitland assured the seniors that they “all earned the honor of graduating in front of your family and friends.”

Class secretary Jolie Winemiller added, “We will always remember the second family we made here.”

All of the speakers reviewed many of the highlights and accomplishments of the Class of 2015, in academics, the arts, and sports.

Diplomas were distributed by district superintendent Karen Voigt, and board of directors’ president Thomas Stoddard.

Special diplomas were awarded in memory of class members Ebon Foose and Swann Kushmore, who lost their lives several years ago.

The weather cooperated perfectly to provide a dry, warm, sunny morning for the traditional tossing of the caps in front of the school following the ceremony.