Plenty of 'Pomp and Circumstance' Friday at Freeport
BUFFALO TWP — With the simple switch of a tassel, 159 beaming faces in blue and gold entered adult life on Friday evening.
The Freeport High School 2018 Commencement was held at 7 p.m. in the district's middle school gymnasium before a plethora of proud parents, teachers and administrators.
Before proceeding into the gym to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the students heard a rousing and heartfelt speech by their principal, Michael Kleckner.
As the burly administrator prowled the cafeteria where the students were seated in their caps and gowns, he charged them with making their alma mater proud.
“You have the ability to touch people. You have the ability to impact people,” Kleckner shouted, jabbing the air with his fists for emphasis. “That is my challenge to you now.”
The students responded by cheering and pounding on the cafeteria tables they may never see again.
“It's really overwhelming,” said graduating senior Olivia Lindsey.
“It's bittersweet. I am blessed to have gone to Freeport. They made me who I am today,” she said.
Lindsey, who will attend Butler County Community College in the fall as a special education major, immediately named Mark Wyant as a teacher who she will never forget.
“He is always so understanding and he cares for each and every student,” she said.
She also appreciates her parents' efforts during her 13-year public school career.
“Thank you for motivating me to graduate,” she said. “I love you.”
Read about what other Freeport graduates had to say about the night in Sunday's Butler Eagle.
