Hillsborough High School’s commencement exercises were interrupted by a storm.
By: Eileen Oldfield
Amid the flurry of receiving diplomas and the inevitable cap-tossing at their graduation, the 570 members of Hillsborough High School’s Class of 2007 likely will remember the start of the ceremony and the rain that started pouring down almost as soon as their procession ended more than anything else.
As the red-robed seniors stood in front of their chairs, some staring at the gray skies and lightning flashes while wiping the drops off their faces, the question rose in everyone’s mind: What would happen to the graduation?
Luckily, school administrators had a backup plan: After evacuating the students to the auditorium, and the parents to their cars or the school’s commons, parents, students and faculty waited for the storm’s end, and the continuation of the outdoor ceremonies.
After 45 minutes of waiting, the sun was out again, and the ceremony started again at 7:15 p.m.
"Class of 2007, you will never forget this," said Principal Karen Bingert, once the graduates and their parent were back in the stadium with the sun shining brightly. "It’s hard getting you in here once; getting you in here twice, and dripping wet, is phenomenal."
Despite damp clothing and slightly wet seats, the seniors and the speakers didn’t seem fazed by the ceremony’s delay. While Salutatorian Nick Bottenus’ speech was a little wet, he was still able to praise his class’s individuality and give them a message for the future.
"No matter where you end up after we leave here, find something you care about and stick with it," said Nick. "According to Albert Camus, ‘nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.’ Today, my challenge to you is to put that energy into being unique and following your own goals, and you will go much further in life than just following the crowd."
Senior class President Gwen Prowse made sure she’d remember looking at her class from the podium by snapping a picture of them before starting her speech.
"First I’m going to be lame and take a picture because it looks pretty cool from up here," Gwen said. "So everyone smile."
Gwen spoke about the classes’ achievements over the years, including winning the school’s Spirit Night class competition two years in a row, organizing charity projects, protesting for their prom, and creating phrases that, to teachers’ dismay, found their way into the classroom.
She didn’t leave the future out either; like Nick, she stressed the importance of being unique.
Stephen Dee, this year’s valedictorian, congratulated his class’s achievements and stressed its spirit.
"I know that if there’s one thing this class understands, it’s determination," he said. "Over the past several years, our class had shown incredible unity, creativity and heart. … But my true message is to take this excitement and energy that we had, and harness it, and apply it to everything we do in the future."
As the seniors prepared to receive their diplomas and tossed around beach balls and other inflatable objects, Ms. Bingert read several quotes from class members’ years at the school.
Before ending her speech, and introducing retiring Superintendent Karen Lake, Ms. Bingert presented Dr. Lake with an honorary high school diploma.
Dr. Lake congratulated the class members on their achievements and perseverance throughout their tenure at the school. In addition to 94 percent of the class attending either two-year or four-year colleges, and the $2.6 million the class received in scholarships, Dr. Lake stressed the amount of academic and sports championships the school won in the four years the class was there.
She concluded by hinting at the students’ futures.
"As you start another chapter in your life, I hope you enjoy your futures," said Dr. Lake. "And what a future it is."

