Schools
Andover's Class of 2013 Celebrates Graduation
More than 200 members of the 78th — and final — graduating class crossed the stage Sunday at Oakland University.
Andover High School's final graduating class honored the school's rich 78-year history and emphasized the endless future opportunities ahead during commencement ceremonies Sunday at Oakland University.
Andover and cross-district rival Lahser High School will merge into Bloomfield Hills High School starting next fall as part of a consolidation and construction plan backed by voters in May 2012. When finished, a piece of the class of 2013 will be there too.
During Sunday's ceremony, the Andover student council announced that a stepping stone dedicated to the class of 2013 will be donated to the district for placement at the future home of the new Bloomfield Hills High School when it is constructed on the current Andover property. Demolition is slated to begin this summer and district officials plan to have the new building ready for fall 2015.
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Pride was evident all around the O'Rena from the educators, to the students and the many happy parents in the crowd.
"That's my girl! I'm tremendously proud," said Ed Sellers after watching his daughter Madison cross the stage with her diploma. "This whole experience was a pretty great treat for her. To be the last of something that has a big tradition is really special."
Aside from standing ovation at the end of the ceremony, the crowd was loudest and shook the O'Rena stands a bit with applause when they honored Principal Rob Durecka, who led Andover for five years.
"It all started to swirl around in my head a little bit and I got a little choked up," Durecka said of the ovation after the ceremony. "Andover is a great building with great kids and I'm going to miss it."
Where you at the ceremony? Tell us about your favorite moment and give a shout out to your favorite graduate in the comments.
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