Eastlake students celebrate one of life’s ‘Key’ moments

On paper, it sounds like an insurmountable amount of time, but as Eastlake student speaker Bryce Barlow pointed out during Monday's graduation ceremony at Key Arena, time flies by too quickly.

By Kevin Endejan • June 18, 2013 3:26 pm
Grant Beahm gives a classmate a huge hug Monday after exiting Eastlake's 2013 graduation ceremony at Key Arena.
Grant Beahm gives a classmate a huge hug Monday after exiting Eastlake's 2013 graduation ceremony at Key Arena.

On paper, it sounds like an insurmountable amount of time, but as Eastlake student speaker Bryce Barlow pointed out during Monday’s graduation ceremony at Key Arena, time flies by too quickly.

“Two million, one hundred thousand, four hundred minutes seemed like an eternity four years ago, but today as I stand before you, I can honestly say I would trade almost anything to get a few of those minutes back and spend them with you guys,” he said.

Many of Eastlake’s student speakers reflected on shared memories and time spent together.

“What a great journey that we’ve had that started 13 years ago,” said senior class president Neha Singh. “Along the way we’ve encountered successes, failures, life-long friendships and incredible learning experiences that have allowed us to grow as individuals.”

Ross McCorkle summed up the year’s together with a live acoustic mesh of several different songs popular during the class of 2013’s years together. The song included pieces of Green Day’s, “Good Riddance,” Bruno Mars’ “Billionaire” and NYSNC’s “Bye Bye Bye,” among others.

While much of the class of 2013’s time was spent on reflection, a fair amount of emphasis was put on the future as well.

Principal Brad Malloy told students to pause and reflect before making decisions, while faculty speaker Bill Monahan told students to follow their passions.

“This is just the beginning,” Barlow said. “Imagine what we can accomplish in another 2 million minutes. EHS Class of 2013, let’s go into the world and let’s make an impact.”

Eastlake’s class of 2013 launches their hats into the air Monday, signifying the completion of their high school careers.

Eastlake’s Garett Beckham enjoys a moment with classmates in the Key Arena tunnel before entering the graduation ceremony June 17.

Ross McCorkle performs a mesh of songs popular during the class of 2013’s childhood.

Eastlake senior Bryce Barlow gives the opening speech during Eastlake’s 2013 graduation.

Family members of Eastlake graduates try to capture the moment during the class of 2013’s entrance to Key Arena.