Monett High School graduation 2014

Monett High School graduating seniors gathered in the west hallway of the high school wait for their big moment to march into the gym for commencement exercises. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Band director Philip Soule primes the school band for Elgar's march that will bring in the graduates. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Principal David Steward gave the audience the five minute warning before graduation began. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Overseeing the arrival of the graduates, from the platform, was the Board of Education and school administrators. From left are: principal David Steward, school board members Doug Childress,, Ken Gaspar, Dr. Darren Bass, Superintendent Brad Hanson, David Beckett, A.J. Bahl and Dr. Jerry Roberts. Marty Scabarozi was absent. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Elizabeth Arnold, at left, and Haley Aleshire, at right, the first two graduates to enter the gym, walked angled and stylishly, beginning a procession of slapping hands, hugs, dances and more as the classmates entered two by two.Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Elizabeth Arnold, at left, and Haley Aleshire, at right, embrace before heading to their seats. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

More stylish entrances. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

More stylish entrances. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

More stylish entrances. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

More stylish entrances. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

A view of the full gym as the Class of 2013 completed its entrance. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Principal David Steward introduces the class and invites applause from the audience. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

The audience that filled the gym. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Thomas Younker, a member of the top 10 percent, giving the evening's first address. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Hayley Long, at left, and Alexandra Witt, at right, giving the second student address. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Elizabeth Arnold receiving the first diploma of her class, presented by school board member Ken Gaspar. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

A broader view of the diploma presentations. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Michael Escher Dollar exchanged a hug with Daryl Bradley, athletic director, as his big moment approached to receive his diploma. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Kennth Mobley received his diploma from Doug Childress. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Classmates applauding friends as diplomas were presented. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Turning tassels at the conclusion of the diploma presentations. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Turning tassels at the conclusion of the diploma presentations. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Turning tassels at the conclusion of the diploma presentations. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Singing the school toast. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Singing the school toast. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Singing the school toast. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Tossing the mortar board hats as the ceremony concludes. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

From left, Lexi Witt, Michaela Wallace and Alex Schmitt reveled in the moment as graduation concluded. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.co (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Kristian Gomez posed for photos with his family in the commons room following graduation. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Graduate Jeremy Madonado received a hug from friend Aubrey Parker after graduation ended. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Graduation was harder on some friends, who would miss the departing seniors, than on the graduates. Emmy Mosier received a tearful hug from Donovan Smith. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Celeste Mejia hung onto her handful of balloons celebrating her graduation achievement. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Destiny Sanders, at right, received her real diploma at the school office from Nicole McKnight after commencement exercises concluded. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Families gathered to celebrate in the commons room. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Families gathered to celebrate in the commons room. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Kelsey Wiseman posed for a photo with Kaesha George, at left, and Kaylee George, at right. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Emmy Mosier broke down and gave big hugs to many after the ceremony, including band director Philip Soule. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)

Superintendent Brad Hanson, at left, and Mike Dawson, assistant superintendent, chatted in front of the decorated stage at the conclusion of the evening. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com (Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com)