By LINDA KESSLER

For the Express

MAYFIELD — A long processional formed, as the Class of 2011 seniors appeared, lead by Marshall, Nicholas Petricca, and Usherette, Margo Derby, cloaked in their graduation caps and gowns, wearing their school’s blue and yellow.

The students marched in a single-file formation, crossing the school’s parking lot, ascending up the stairs, to be greeted by hundreds of well wishers that came out to celebrate them.

A large white tent was set up in the school’s field to accommodate the ceremony, offering cover for the crowd in the event of possible downpours that never occurred during the hour-long ceremony.

Salutatorian Jenna Tomilinson was first to speak, saying, “Our past prepares us for our future.” She referred to “Moments Like These” as just one of the many experiences she and her fellow classmates would have.

Alexandra Husain, both class president and valedictorian, prepared her speech on “My Last Sentiments and Feelings,” reminiscing how she had moved here when she was only in second grade, but immediately fell in love with the small community.

Her tribute was to thank the many teachers, educators, peers families, and guardians for the countless hours they invested in each of them.

“Live your life to the absolute most. Think about things that make you happy,” she concluded.

Taking the podium, Superintendent Paul Williamsen briefly spoke, congratulating both girls and described public speaking as being very stressful. Comparing their graduation day to the Fourth of July, Williamsen told the graduates it marked their independence, and, with their new-found independence, to be passionate about everything they did.

Board Member Tush Nikollaj expressed how proud he was of all the students, the staff, family and friends. Morale character, and influences Nikollaj stated were important in shaping lives.

Reading a Dr. Seuss quote, he ended with, “You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose”

As the select choir sang “Go the Distance,” the students were given yellow roses that they handed to a family member. Rob Husain, principal, brought up department heads in sharing awards.

Board Member Tush Nikollaj, Principal Rob Husain, and BOE President Robert Suits awarded the 81 students their graduation certificates. The Class of 2011  threw their caps in the air, then to release silly string all over one another at the ceremony’s conclusion.