Farewell class of 2017, we will miss you!

After 4 years of sporting the color green, you Krazy Kadets are ready to leave! Your time is up at Air Academy, moving on to bigger and better things. But remember to slow down and enjoy these precious moments before graduation.

Many seniors have accomplished many achievements here at Air Academy and will be recognized for their hard work during the graduation ceremony. There are many traditions and honors associated with the graduation ceremony and there are also specific rules the seniors must follow in order to graduate.

According Senior, Mitchell Shaw, some of the most important traditions include two student speakers (an academic speaker and an open category speaker), the famous senior waterfall entrance, performances from the band and choir, and the senior class president’s turning of the tassel.

There are auditions held for the role of performing at graduation, students are allowed to audition for general singers, a trio, and soloist. Those who speak at graduation are also required to audition and must prepare their speeches months in advance. To perform or speak at graduation is very competitive and very selective to ensure a smooth and memorable performance.

Upon the stage at graduation, the principal, superintendent, senior class president, student body president, and the other speakers will sit on the stage at the front of the stadium. The student body faces the stage and the seniors are arranged alphabetically and according to their Konnections Teachers. The family and friends of the students sit high above the students, but there is a big screen in which you can see your graduating companions.

Many students have accomplished great things at Air Academy and can be distinguished through certain cords and medals. Mitchell Shaw says, “There are 42 clubs here at AAHS but not every club gets a cord. There are 35 cords given out at the ceremony. Personally, I will be receiving 4 cords for FCCLA, DECA, National Honors Society, etc.”

Everybody has a favorite part of the ceremony, a special and significant moment that clings to their hearts. Mrs. Koldenhoven, an assistant principal, and Mr. Hoit, a math teacher, have the same favorite parts including, “The processional, when students walk in, and the recessional when the students walk out, and the turning of the tassels.”

A graduation ceremony is known for their intelligent and outgoing speakers. Mrs. Koldenhoven and Mr.Hoit have the rundown on who this year’s speakers will be. The senior with the highest GPA ( Valedictorian), Senior class president, Mr.Olsen (Principal at AAHS), a member of the administration, school board member, and finally Dr. Hatchell (D20 superintendent) will be speakers on Thursday.

This year, the ceremony will be held at Clune arena, on the United States Air Force Academy. This location applies to all high schools in D20. This location is special to Air Academy, according to Mr. Hoit, “Graduation has always been at Clune arena for as long as I can remember, we have a very good relationship with the arena. We are lucky Clune makes it simple, we don’t have to worry about tickets or how big the audience will turn out to be. Every District 20 high school uses Clune arena.”

This year graduation is held on May 18, 2017 at Clune Arena on the Air Force base, don’t miss it!