Nearly 180 Kadena high school students graduate

  • Published
  • By Andrea Grade
  • Kadena High School junior
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Nearly 180 Kadena High School seniors took their final steps as high school students after celebrating graduation day at the Okinawa Civic Center June 11 .

Students were celebrated by not only their parents, teachers and fellow students, but by relatives who traveled thousands of miles to share in the momentous occasion.

The Kadena Band kicked off the ceremony with the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance."

Department of Defense Education Activity director and keynote speaker Dr. Shirley Miles congratulated the 179 seniors and shared her personal experiences with the military.

Ms. Lynn Lund, KDHS 12th grade English teacher, was the faculty guest speaker, selected by votes from the senior class.

Valedictorian Vicente Pamparo and salutatorian Emi Knuth also gave speeches that reflected on their high school experiences, while also touching on their future plans.

The awarding of diplomas followed the speeches, as class sponsors Barbara Keir and Patrice Powdar announced the name of each graduate.

"The success of the night came from countless hours of hard work, but seeing the students walk across the stage was well worth it," said Ms. Powdar.

Closing out the ceremony was the Kadena Band playing the song "Jubilance."

The commencement ceremony signaled an end to high school life for the students, but also marked a milestone in the adult lives that are just beginning for these graduates.