Monacan High School - Legend Yearbook (Richmond, VA)

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Seniors Roger Chenery and Mike Ciucci roam the halls before homeroom check. A Time To Remember June 12, the much awaited event had finally arrived for nearly the entire Monacan senior class of 1985. The mo- mentous day started out clear and promising despite ear- nest weather forecasts pre- dicting a steady downpour later in the afternoon. By noon, threatening skies ap- proached and as the graduat- ing class held their breath, the darkening clouds fulfilled their conviction releasing a drenching rain upon the Chesterfield area. Forced back inside for graduation practice, the restless seniors settled down to listen and wait for the traditionally te- dious rehearsal to draw to a polished conclusion. Some were relieved to get inside having anticipated lengthy hours beneath a hot, swelter- ing sun... but, then again, what’s wrong with a Hawaiian tropic tan for graduation? By three o’clock, the storm had ceased and the sun began peeking from under a dissi- pating blanket of clouds but the ultimate decision had to be made... graduation would be held indoors. That meant only parents and important family members would be al- lowed to witness the spectacle ceremony due to lack of space inside Monacan’s gymnasi- um. Color-coded tickets would serve to reserve desig- nated seats indoors. As the graduating class of 1985 gathered that evening in individual homerooms prior to the graduation ceremony, intense excitement and an- ticipation filled the air; the seniors, decked out in the tra- ditional cap and calf-length gown, dark brown for guys and white for girls, all sat chatting nervously while once again resigning themselves to waiting what almost seemed an eternity for the grand cere- mony to commence. Outside in the gym, parents and family members filed in to their seats packing together as if they were attending a Monacan pep ral- ly. Out in the commons, additional friends and relatives settled them- selves before a television set to watch the inner proceedings only at a better view ... another conve- nience of modern-day video tech- nology. The Monacan Symphonic Band directed by Mr. Buck, began the commencement ceremony with the traditional president’s theme as the anticipating audience stood to receive the procession of faculty and graduating seniors. Led by the Graduation Page 199

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Due to inclement weather, Sen- After graduation, Friends iors held their practices inside the embrace one another in school’s gymnasium. happiness and sorrow. Hi: Leader of the pack. Sherrie Abs ire ley the procession at the beginning oo graduation. Before the Procession, Monacan stu- Closing the ceremony, honorary guest Mr. dents such as Crystal Jones impatiently | Michael Parker gives the Benediction. wait in their homerooms. Page 198 Graduation

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A Time To Remember mace bearer-rising senior class president, Maria Chesley, the pro- cession marched majestically in two single file lines almost in time to the music. Junior Marshalls, no doubt restless themselves finally rose to the call of duty and escorted the graduating seniors to their seats at the center of the gym. Sym- bolic light blue hoods were worn by members of the National Honor Society. As the seniors filed in, some grinned broadly others ap- peared sedately dignified with a bit more to show for 4 years worth of well-earned knowledge. Parents anxiously scanned the line of glow- ing faces for any that seemed re- motely familiar. Finally placing the face most resembling their own, cameras clicked furiously. An occa- sional whoop cracked the air possi- bly serving to release the brim- ming, pent up emotions felt by ev- ery senior attending. The ceremony commenced with the audience still standing as senior class chaplain, Kristen Cobbs read the Invocation which was followed by the National Anthem. Then came time for class president James Woo to call the audience to attention for the class president’s address. Distinguished guest, Dr. Bruce Heilman, President of the University of Richmond, presided to give the Graduating Address de- scribing the achievements and toils of each graduating student. a a Seniors stand as Kristen Cobbs de- livers the invocation. Page 200 Graduation The thrill of the night was not over, after each senior had received his or her diploma and a word of congratulations from Mr. Elliot, the ceremony was brought to a close with Mr. Michael Parker giv- ing the benediction. Finally, Mr. Elliot pronounced the Class of 1985 graduated. Embraces and tears of congratulations pervaded among the elated seniors. Having complet- ed a significant step of their lives — one of impassable growth and the search for greater understand ing — these seniors were prepared to begin another yet budding stage of their lives. SSS ee Nothing like a good hug to say goodbye to Close Friends.