Monacan High School - Legend Yearbook (Richmond, VA)

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fa, a Prophetic Scene. It appears unbe- lievable that this hot, disheveled group will, in a matter of hours, be graduating Seniors, distinguished in caps and gowns. Scattered Thoughts. Anticipating graduation, Seniors examine pictures, read the Will and Testament or the prophecy, or think about the ap- proaching night. 202 Class of 1984: Graduation

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Time of Fellowship Is A Prelude To Graduation Occasionally even the Sen- iors themselves were a bit be- wildered by the abundance of ceremonies and traditions that accompanied the close of their high school careers. The Baccalaureate service, held the Sunday before Com- mencement, was a notable ex- ample: many Seniors ques- tioned the purpose of the whole ceremony. As they soon found out, Baccalaureate is simply a reli- gious service which serves as a kind of tranquil prelude to that most blessed event, graduation. It is a time to gath- er the class together, along with their families and friends, to quietly search their own hearts in the presence of their creator. The students may also gain insight from the ser- mon traditionally preached to them at the service. This description was pre- Preparations. The time immediately before Baccalaureate was used for the visiting, primping, and thoughful reflection that awaited these Seniors. cisely filled on June 10 at Rev- eille Methodist Church. Due to excellent preparation by Mr. Broaddus and his trusty Junior Marshals, the seniors were free to adjust their caps, laugh with friends, or simply ponder the impending phenomenon as they lined up tp process in. When they finally made their entrance, it was into an im- pressive sanctuary filled to overflowing. The congregation joined in praise by singing “God of Our Fathers,’’ and then solemnly listened to the Reverend Michael Murphy’s Invocation, which came not only from his own heart but also from the famous words of St. Francis. The Monacan Chamber Ensemble contribut- ed two anthems before Mr. Mi- chael Parker began his ser- mon. If somewhat unorthodox, the sermon was nevertheless effective; the seniors listened Fellowship. Whether its pinning a cap or standing by in times of trouble, the Class of 1984 learned the true mean- ing of friendship. attentively as Mr. Parker ad- vised them how to enjoy the beach and then led them on to realize the constantly pursu- ing pleasure leads not to hap- piness, but to emptiness. One must love and serve some- thing or someone greater than oneself in order to achieve ful- fillment and peace. This point was emphasized again in the duet song by Beth Mclver and Doug Langston, which described the wonder of friendships that last for- ever. Anyone witnessing the hugs, cheers, and tears out- side the church after the ser- vice would have had no doubt that the lesson struck home. The Class of 1984 may have been sharing one of its last times together, but it would never forget the love and fel- lowship that had brought it so far. Procession. Walking solemnly down the aisle are Baccalaureate chairper- son Wendi Pohlig and her escort Rog- er Hollins. Baccalaureate 201

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Todd Withers and Scott Bew give him a helping hand. Taking Charge. Graduation commit- tee chairman Steve Finch directs as Geraint ate hd eae maps baie Ae oa SS 7S ia pune. Is This It? As Assistant Principal Don- na Crane speaks, Seniors such as Beth Otte try their best to imagine that this is the real moment. Practice Held In Sweltering Heat For most Seniors, June 12 was the day synonymous with graduation. However, the planning and preparation for that day actually predated even the beginning of school in August. Late in the summer, the Senior Class Officers met to discuss whom they thought the class would like to have speak at the Commencement Ceremony. The names of sev- eral prominent citizens were suggested, and, after further discussion with the Executive Committee, the name of Sena- tor Harry F. Byrd, Jr. was de- cided upon. The invitation was extended, and the former Vir- ginia Senator cordially ac- cepted. As Spring rolled around so did the time for the arrival of announcements and caps and gowns. These basic but indis- pensible elements of gradu- ation were distributed as Sen- iors began to turn their atten- tion toward the big day and toward the most important post-graduation activity — Fun In The Sun. Happy Seniors find relief from the heat by frolicking in the water from the sprinklers. the Beach. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to some and an instant to others, June 12 was upon us. For Steve Finch and the members of his Graduation Committee, the day began at 7:00 AM. Platforms were con- structed, chairs were lined up, and the audio system was connected. As the mass of the Senior class began arriving at 10:00 they were greeted by the day’s heat which almost reached sweltering propor- tion. As the Seniors arrived, they were assembled in the theatre where Mr. Elliott and Mr. Broaddus discussed de- tails concerning the after- noon’s practice and the even- ing’s ceremony. The Seniors were then lined up alphabeti- cally, and they proceeded to the field as the anticipation became almost visible. During practice, each graduate went through the motions of receiv- ing his diploma as some Sen- iors, unable to stand the heat, played in the stadium’s sprin- Laid Back. Seemingly cool and col- lected, Lonnie Carter waits for the dis- missal that will end practice and bring graduation even closer. Class of 1984: Graduation 203