In a ceremony marked with frequent laughter, cheers and applause, Boonville High School marked its 129 commencement Sunday evening, awarding diplomas to 138 students. Under sunny skies and a strong breeze, graduating seniors kept a hold on their sashes and caps as family and friends filled the stadium seating, spilling on to the grass and stairways to watch the ceremony.

Following a rendition of the “Best of the Blues Brothers” performed by the Boonville Silver Pirate senior band members, Superintendent Mark Ficken congratulated the students for their accomplishments in and out of the classroom. “The choices you make from here on out are the important ones,” he said as he introduced Spanish teacher Jane Lorenz who presented the commencement address.

Lorenz, 33, said the class was one of the most eclectic she has taught. “You are academians, athletes, artists, musicians, comedians and poets,” she said.

Lorenz counseled the students to have balance in their life, saying “it’s the most important skill you’ll ever have.” Drawing from examples of a child’s development, she discussed how as infants, the students had no balance, but as they grew and matured, and their physical balancing skills came into play, they were able to gain a certain amount of freedom, while their parents and friends were there to guide them if they got out of balance.

But, as children gain more freedom, the task of maintaining balance becomes more complex. “If you have more homework, that means less time for MSN Messenger,” she said.

“From here on out, it’s up to you: to make the decisions on how you spend your time,” said Lorenz.

For the rest of the story, see the Monday, May 19 print edition of the BDN.