Orono High School - Spartan / Orion Yearbook (Long Lake, MN)

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Graduation ’86 The sun shone bright and warm above the bleachers at Pcsonen Stadium, a hot air balloon floated over the stands, and a young horse pranced in the pasture across the football field. On this Thursday evening, May 29. the crowd of parents, relatives, and friends had come for the Orono High School Class of 1986 commencement. The concert band began the melody of Pomp and Circumstance and the long double lines of blue caps and gown began to file onto the field. Even during the solemn and formal ceremony, the ebullience of this class was hard to cap, and it bubbled through frequently during the hour-long ceremony. The valedictory speeches by Sarah Gerding and Jon Dettmann reminded the audience of the importance of the students' years at Orono. The sense of community in a small school is truly evident at Orono. Each of us has had relationships with teachers on a personal and academic level,” Sarah said as she acknowledged the contributions of the entire staff at Orono. Jon Dettmann said, that graduation from Orono was the end of a tunnel for all of us. When they came to high school, the narrow tunnel of middle school widened out for them, he said. The ceremony, spiced with musical salutes from the wind ensemble and the choir, culminated with the graduates' filing across the stage to receive their diplomas. With exuberant flings of their hats, not even waiting for the closing benediction, the Class of '86 acknowledged the completion of this step of their education. A reception for friends and families followed commencement. Cake and punch were served in the cafeteria, which had been transformed by parents of the seniors into a festive green and yellow party room. After the reception it was time for the graduates to go to an all-night party featuring games, music, food, prizes, and most importantly, a chance to socialize with friends who would soon leave for jobs, schools, and careers all across the country. — Judy Soukup. The Pioneer Top-Board member Don Anderson awards the Class of '86 their diplomas. Middle-The traditional early.morning dress rehearsal. Bottom-Pre-graduation anxieties afflict Shaun Anderson. 20 Graduation