From right to left: Ahmed Saleh Maqsher, Rebekah Lynn Maltempi, Ian MacNeil, and Elizabeth Marconi posed for a quick shot before heading down to the pavilion.

It was a very special commencement for the Class of 2008 at Thomas Dale High School.  They held their 100th Commencement Exercises on Tuesday, June 10 in the Alltel Pavilion at the Siegel Center.  To celebrate the 100th, a few things were a little different.  The procession began with Michael Harrah, band director at Chester Middle School, on the bagpipes, setting  the course for the special celebration.  The class of 1908 was made up of three graduates, for the afternoon ceremony 489 seniors were in the procession.  They also had special robes made for the 100th, which will never be worn again.  The white center panel symbolized the 100 years, and the shield on the graduates’ white collar included various emblems of Thomas Dale High School. One of the big highlights was the performance of the full band and orchestra when they performed “Fanfare and Fantasia,” written for the 100th Commencement, based on Robert Ivey’s Alma Mater by band director Steven Barton.  It proved to be a grand performance.

A special presentation was made for the Clark family and the Piggott family with an honorary diploma.  Malcom Piggott died from a drowning accident and Andrew Clark lost his life in a car accident.

Speakers included Dr. Marcus Newsome, superintendent, Chesterfield County Schools; Robert Stansberry, principal; Jordan Bondurant; salutatorian Dana Lapato; valedictorian Amanda Surber; Dorothy Jaeckle, supervisor, Bermuda District; and Marshall Trammell, school board, Bermuda District.

lfausz@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421

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