On Friday March 27, Melanie Burchfield experienced an occasion that one day we all will. Graduation.
Her father, a major in the U.S. Marine Corps, will be deployed to Afghanistan serving our country on the day of actual graduation. The school made it possible for Melanie to have an early ceremony so her father could be there with her on this momentous occasion.
As well as her close friends and family, PACs served as an audience to the ceremony, per Dr. J’s request.
All of the school board members and administrators that would’ve been present at the actual graduation were also there including Superintendent Rose, Mrs. O’Rourke, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Lenosky, and Mrs. Graff. Melanie also invited her two favorite teachers, Dr. Roth and Mr. Santora.
The Superintendent chose to say a few words. Being the mother-in-law of a Marine, she jumped at the opportunity to give thanks to Major Burchfield and wished him luck.
Dr. J also mentioned that in past years, students who chose to serve their country usually got their diplomas first.
Mr. Johnson presented the diploma to Melanie Anne Burchfield on Friday, March 27 at 8:00 a.m.
When later asked about the ceremony, Melanie had this to say: “It was very overwhelming. I’m overwhelmed…But it was exciting though!”
Click here to read the Post-Gazette’s article on the same story.