The Manson High School Class of 2008 Commencement Services honored 49 graduating Seniors on Saturday, June 7^th, 2008 to a packed audience at the Manson High School gym. The service was in memory of classmate Jayson Batchelor, who passed away in 2001.

Mrs. Heather Teague, Class Advisor, served as Master of Ceremonies for the event. The Manson High School Band, directed by Mr. Matt Brown, played the traditional Pomp and Circumstance as the graduates filed in and were greeted by the staff of the Manson School District. The Flag Salute was led by ASB President, Laura Cross followed by the Co-Salutatorian Address by Roslyn Peterson.

Mr. Mark Perkins, Dean of Students, recognized the student recipients of

college scholarships and awards totaling over $429, 290.

(A link to the complete list of recipients and awards can be found below.)

Principal, Mr. Don Vanderholm awarded the winner of the Mel Steele Memorial Award, voted by the staff at MHS, to his daughter, Mary Vanderholm.

This year’s Commencement Address was given by MHS Language Arts teacher, Mr. Ian Crossland, with the theme, Do Work, Be Well and Stay in Touch. Talented 2008 musicians; soloist Whitney Pittman, pianist and soloist Gab Castro and drummer Abe Alejo entertained the audience and their classmates with the number, “I Believe I Can Fly” by Seal, accompanied by Osiel Ramirez on guitar.

Valedictorian, Laura Cross and Co-Salutatorian, Aubrey Plew teamed up to reflect on their memories while attending grades K-12 in the Manson School District.

The class slide show produced by Kyle Plew and the parents of the grads reflected the graduates in their younger years and as they are today.

The MHS choir performed the number, “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers. Senior choir members, Whitney Pittman and Joseph Dawson were hugged farewell by fellow choir members.

Manson Superintendent, Matt Charlton, performed the Presentation of the Class of 2008.

Mrs. Teague did the reading of graduate’s names as they came down the stage to receive their diplomas from members of the school district administration.

Senior Class President, Aubrey Plew led her classmates in the moving of their tassels.

Cans of silly string were handed out to all grads and at the count of 3… miles of colorful silly sting flew into the air on stage as each student was cover with string. Then they all turned towards Principal Vanderholm and doused him from head to toe before he bid farewell to the Class of 2008 and thanked the parents and community.