Kentridge, Kent-Meridian students celebrate commencement | SLIDESHOW

Nearly 1,500 Kent School District students walked across the stage at the ShoWare Center last Saturday to collect their high school diplomas during commencement ceremonies.

Kent School Board member Maya Vengadasalam hands a diploma to Melissa Quitoriano

Kent School Board member Maya Vengadasalam hands a diploma to Melissa Quitoriano

Nearly 1,500 Kent School District students walked across the stage at the ShoWare Center last Saturday to collect their high school diplomas during commencement ceremonies.

Kentridge High School graduated 448 seniors, while Kent-Meridian had about 340 students take part in the ceremony.

During Kent-Meridian’s ceremony, students paid special tribute to classmate Lupo Benson, who was killed after falling off the hood of vehicle in the school’s parking lot on March 31.

The choir sang “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth in memory of Benson, and student speaker Vaiselina Siufanua mentioned Benson’s impact on her life in the speech she delivered during the ceremony.

Benson’s sister, Melissa Quitoriano, walked across the stage when her brother’s name was called and accepted his diploma, before receiving a hug from Kent-Meridian Principal Wade Barringer.

 




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