Senior Luis Gonzalez steps up and states his name to the Balfour representative who in turn hands him a cap and gown. Gonzalez takes a moment to look down at this blue fabric wrapped up in plastic as he shudders in excitement.

“This makes graduation seem so much closer and real! It’s exciting,” said Gonzales.

On April 3 seniors were called down to the lobby by last name to pick up their cap and gown along with any other objects ordered.  Senior caps and gowns are ordered in the fall through Danny Beavers, the same vendor who provides the senior rings. He handles all of the aspects of ordering, collecting, and distributing for graduates and has since the school opened in 2005.

“I consider this a major part of being a senior,” said senior principal Aaron Harris. “A cap and gown symbolized successful completion and exercises a tradition of all American high schools and colleges.”

The gowns were handed out by members of Mr. Beavers’ team. Each gown, cap, and tassel were protected in a plastic bag. If announcements were ordered as well, they were placed in a cardboard box. Each of these were placed in a Graduate Sales bag to make it easy to identify senior students in the halls.

“It’s always gratifying to see another graduating class getting ready to graduate, but it is somewhat disheartening to see those that wasted away their senior year and don’t get to graduate,” said Mr. Harris.

Although the seniors are excited to graduate, the juniors are saddened by the upcoming ceremony.

“I’m happy for the seniors but I’m also sad because I’ve made so many good friends, and now they’re leaving,” said junior Ashley Duckworth.

Graduation takes place May 19 and the last official day for seniors is May 4.

“Next year I won’t be here, and it’s a great feeling knowing that I’m starting a new chapter of my life,” said senior Lindsay Coulter. “However, there are many things I’ll miss about this place.”