Last class with principal graduates from Virginia City

VIRGINIA CITY - Virginia City's first graduating class of the millennium was also the high school's last to graduate with a principal.

"With Ms. Calhoun, we started new traditions," said salutatorian Kelsey Day in her graduation address. "We feel sad for the classes that will have to move on without Ms. Calhoun and her Jolly Ranchers."

The high school principal position was eliminated from next year's budget but principal Pam Calhoun said that was not the focus of this year's graduation, which was held Saturday afternoon at Piper's Opera House.

"The seniors have requested that we not make this a sad thing," Calhoun said. "They want it to be a celebration."

After all, they have seen many principals come and go.

Senior class president Melissa Slayden said she considers Calhoun a friend but has been through many administrators.

"Since the sixth-grade, I've been through six or seven principals," she said. "You learn not to get too attached."

For the graduating class of 20 seniors, saying goodbye to each other was the most difficult part.

Tears fell as they watched a slide show presentation of the graduating class prepared by the underclassmen at the school.

Salutatorian Rebecca Stewart cried as she addressed the crowd.

"It's our turn to leave," she said. "Without each other's laughter, love and support, we would not have come this far."

Valedictorian Stefanie Stafford compared the Athenian civilization with that of the Visigoth's. She cautioned fellow graduates to be more like the Athenians.

"As we choose our paths, it is my hope that we rise above the barbarians within us," she said.

McAvoy Lane as Mark Twain was the keynote speaker and advised students not to be barbarians at the graduation party.

"You have my permission to do whatever you like tonight as long as nobody gets hurt and you don't frighten the horses," he said.