James Madison University - Bluestone Schoolmaam Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

Page 23 text:

c ik nticipating the coming downpour, thoii- A Siinds ot parents till Bridgeforth Stadium - - tor the graduation of the Chss of 96. AJ- rhougli onl ' a tew people came prepared, the crowd refused to let the rain ruin their celebration. getting a new record, Max Surikov and Eliza- beth Nikol Howard present funds raised bv the Senior Class Challenge as their class gitt. The monev the class raised went toward a scholar- ship fund. Graduation - 17

Page 22 text:

poking ' AHEAD With mixed emotions ranging from nostalgia and sadness to excitement and elation, the Class of 1996 received their diplo- mas in front ol the proud taccs ot tamil ' and friends. With diplomas in hand, the newest Madison alumni brought an end to their ears at JAIU and began the next phase of their lives. I was so excited that I was finaU) ' graduating but I was also a littie apprehensi ' e about going out into the world, said graduate Laura Solomon. I decided, though, that I wasn ' t going to think about that because I was ha ing such a great time with all mv friends. Storm clouds and rains plagued the ceremon but that didn ' t dampen the festive atmosphere. Excited graduates donned their caps with messages and s}Tnbols representative of their college vears. Beach balls, balloons and toilet paper streamed through the air as guest speakers congratulated the students. Camera flashes popped from all directions as the tassels turned and diplomas were distributed. It was supposed to be a serious and dignified event, said graduate Alicia Mellman, but all the seniors just wanted to celebrate and have a good time. After the main ceremony in Bridgeforth Stadium, students divided into smaller ceremonies held bv the different colleges within the uni ' ersit ' . Ceremonies were held aU over campus, including on the Quad and in the Convocation Cen- ter. At these smaller, more intimate ceremonies, graduates walked across the stage as their names were announced. After the satellite ceremonies, tailgating, celebrations and barbecoies popped up all around the cit} ' as the graduation festivities continued throughout the day. Ever one was talking about long-term plans, jobs and tra ' eling, said graduate Ryan Netzer. All I could think about was the immediate flimre and having a great time dur- ing my last few davs at JMU. Graduate Ryan Sullivan said, I had worked hard for the last few years and it was now time for me to take a break from everrthing and see America. Madison taught me a lot about life and people and I think that with this diploma, I ' m ready to begin my new life. so e ted tfiatlzvas jinaSij graduating But I was also adttk apprefiensive aboutgoing into the world ' ' BY SONALDUTT 16 - Flourish

Page 24 text:

Finishing up their meal, these students sit back and relax at the Waffle House. Whether it was 11 at night or 3 in the morning, students could always be found hang- ing out there. Attending an AOH theme part ; senior Julia Cornick, senior Sonal Dutt and junior Lisa Bishop dress like Uttle kids. Theme parties were great variations of the week] parr ' routine. 18 - Flourish