By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Marion High School’s graduation Saturday brought parents, grandparent, aunts, uncles, siblings, and supporters of the class of 2025’s 27 students.

Families and supporters began entering the Sports Aquatic Center at 3:30 p.m. to get the best seats before the rest of the throng arrived. They watched entrance doors and called out, “over here” to others in their group.

Audience members brought leis and noisemakers for the ceremony, using the noisemakers when their students were called to get diplomas.

When the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” played, seniors walked up a center aisle two by two to their seats at the front of the Sports and Aquatics Center. Five were Kansas Scholars, 11 were honor students, and 15 had completed career and tech education pathway classes.

“Each of you should be proud of your accomplishments and excited for the next chapter of your lives,” Superintendent Justin Wasmuth said.

Principal Donald Raymer told students that the day marked a milestone in their lives and that great leaders own their accountabilities.

A choir sang “Homeward Bound” and the school band played “Into the Storm.”

Seniors took roses to their mothers, and honor students were called forward to receive medals.

After diplomas were awarded, students tossed their caps into the air, and confetti shot into the air.

Luke Watkins, surrounded by younger high school students, said the day felt good.

“Bittersweet but good,” Watkins said.