The Gates students hadn’t even all left the grounds before hundreds of Washington students and their parents began arriving. They had to wait outside the Red Gate while the chairs were rearranged. Many participants were over and hour early, but too excited to stay home and wait.

Inside, the administrators and school board members rested between sessions. They were there for three graduations, the first was Franklin Pierce at 11 a.m., followed by Gates and New pathways at 1:30 p.m. The Washington High School graduation began at 4 p.m. Many parents had to wait under the grandstand as the long line of students in caps and gowns walked past in their processional. (Not everyone was early.)

The weather could not have been better. It was warm in the late afternoon. Those sitting in direct sun were certainly less comfortable than those in the shade. On the stage, the administrators and speakers had to look directly into the sun, causing some to make and alternate use of their programs.

Congratulations to the 2013 Washington High graduates. May your future endeavors all be successful!

And a small tribute to the ladies at the Red Gate who helped everyone find their way to the grandstands.