Commencement resumes after 45-minute rain delay
By: Greg Forester
MONTGOMERY To the members of the Montgomery High School class of 2007, it probably seems like their four years came and went as quickly as the 20-minute deluge that erupted in the very beginning of their graduation ceremony Thursday.
Many people in attendance at the event had earlier walked into Cougar Stadium looking nervously at the black clouds that seemed to be rolling down out of the Sourlands.
These amateur meteorologists’ fears proved correct.
Just as the faculty was beginning to take a seat and the class of 2007 began their procession into the stadium, the clouds overhead opened into a huge downpour, sending proud families and friends running for the safety of the school’s gymnasium.
One grandfather said he had been up to see one grandchild graduate the year before, and the weather had been much nicer.
"Down in Florida where we live golf courses have local weather stations to tell you when something like this is coming," he said, soaking wet in the halls of the high school.
The 372 Montgomery seniors this year really earned their diplomas. They were the last group of people to make it in out of the rain and blowing wind that scattered many a student’s diploma around the Astroturf of the field.
"This is just an update," said Principal James H. Misek, once the ceremony got back under way 45 minutes later. "The sun is now shining brightly in the sky."
With soaked members of the class of 2007 and the rest of the attendees seated safely inside the gym, Senior Class President Meredith Perry began the series of student addresses.
"My friends, our journey is coming to an end, and what a journey it has been," said Meredith. "These years here have shaped us to become the people we are today.
"If you remember where you came from you will be just fine."
Following Meredith’s speech to her fellow students, Principal Misek took the opportunity to thank the faculty, huddled in the back of the auditorium in their soaking clothes, asking them to stand for an ovation.
He did the same for the parents sitting in the bleachers.
Following Principal Misek’s remarks, Salutatorian Phoebe Kuo was given a chance to speak to the crowd.
"Take this opportunity to start again and discover and reinvent yourself," said Phoebe, after removing her dripping green cap.
The class of 2007 certainly had a memorable, slightly wet farewell to their high school years.

