Carson’s 11th graduating class walked across the stage to receive their diplomas Saturday — a moment that Karrigan Harden, senior class president, called “the first of many happiest moments we have in store.” 

The commencement began with a wistful choral introduction. “Maybe someday we’ll meet again,” the Senior Chorus sang. Speakers included the president of the student body, Isaac Bell; the senior class president, Kerrigan Harden; and two academic speakers, James Paul Barringer IV, and Micah Furr. The speakers each shared hopeful messages, imploring their fellow classmates to follow their dreams and never give up. 

Valedictorian of the Carson Class of 2017 was James Paul Barringer, and Salutatorian was Adrian Vergara Salcedo. 

Although Principal Angelo DelliSanti asked the audience to hold cheers and applause until the ceremony’s closure, the audience seemed to make the unanimous decision to cheer for one particular student. Graham Reynolds walked across the stage to receive his diploma wearing his Marine Dress Blues. 

Reynolds finished his classes at Carson in January and headed to Parris Island for his Marine basics training. He completed his training last week, just in time for graduation. 

His father, David Reynolds, said his son is “living his dream” and that he has “always wanted to be a Marine.”

Reynolds leaves for Camp Geiger, where he will be stationed, next Tuesday, June 13.