Friends and family of Manhattan High School seniors bid farewell to a talented senior class at commencement ceremonies on Sunday afternoon in Bramlage Coliseum. The 376-member class of 2017 excelled in academics, arts, and athletics. This marks the one-hundred and third year MHS has held graduation.
The ceremony began after the First Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade presented the colors, and members of the MHS choir sang the school song.
“Your entire life is in front of you, and I hope we have prepared you for it,” said Principal Greg Hoyt.
Hoyt said it was an honor to serve as the building administrator for a group of students that included four semifinalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program, and had also earned more than two-million dollars in renewable scholarships. Fifty-eight students graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. According to Hoyt, this year’s senior class played a role in helping MHS once again be named one of America’s most difficult high schools by The Washington Post.
Hoyt issued a challenge to his students, encouraging them to enjoy their accomplishment and then give back to their community.
“Today is about you, but tomorrow is about us.”
The seniors listened to speeches from two of their classmates before receiving their diplomas.
Rami Khamis said being raised by immigrant parents altered his experience as a student, and noted his parents’ diligence to his grades led to him pursuing his degree in biology at Kansas State University this fall. Khamis paid tribute to teachers and friends.
“As we look back on the memories from high school, we are left will all the great times with great people,” Khamis said.
Senior Mikela Robinson, who will be attending Coffeyville Community College on a dance scholarship, told her classmates they are capable of anything as long as they avoid negativity and focus on what is important.
