CATO - Cato-Meridian High School's 2008 commencement was a real family affair, with ages ranging from a 9-day-old baby to a great grandmother.

The high school gym was packed to capacity, with about 800 people in the audience.

Students' regalia reflected school colors, gold for the girls, royal blue for the boys. Cato-Meridian Chamber Singers were at their best, effortlessly reaching the high notes in the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Principal Joseph Coleman welcomed guests, then addressed the graduates.

“Are you ready for the change?” he asked. “Are you ready for the ethical responsibilities without somebody on your shoulder advising you what to do? We believe you have what it takes to do what has to happen.”

Salutatorian Sasha Moore, 18, based her speech on inspirational words that come from teachers, school administrators and classmates: encouragement, enthusiasm, invigoration, imagination and understanding.

“Encouragement: to give hope or confidence. This is my turn to tell you not to let anything stand in your path to greatness, that failure only brings you closer to accomplishing your goals. Don't back down from the challenges of life. Embrace them and you will win.”

Moore is headed for Worchester Polytechnic in Massachusetts to major in aeronautical engineering. She actually met her boyfriend, Brandon G. Rubadou, Cato-Meridian's valedictorian, when they both were involved in the high school's solar car program.

Rubadou, 18, will also be attending Worchester Polytechnic in the electrical engineering program.

Rubadou's valedictory address juxtaposed "moving on" and "holding on."

"Many of us will move away, beginning lives of our own with different people in new, exciting places," he said. "But, when you've lived in a place as unique as Cato, moving on isn't something that could possibly happen. There's no way to drive or fly away from the hundreds of people who have made an impact on us, and the memories we've made."

Many scholarships were awarded, and the school's chamber singers performed "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "In My Life."

Class President Brittany R Haskins and Superintendent Deborah Bobo addressed the class and then the Alma Mater was sung. The graduates exited to Charpentier's "Te Deum."the cash for safekeeping.

Terry spent the money, leaving the bus driver financially ruined.

County Judge C. Randall Hinrichs said Terry's smooth talk and ability to target vulnerable victims "proved to be a terrible combination."

Meanwhile, Queens prosecutors accused a 35-year-old man Friday of flashing a badge and claiming to be a police officer to get a woman to open her apartment door, then repeatedly raping her. The suspect was taken to a hospital for psychological observation.

Class notes

Valedictorian: Brandon Rubadou

Salutatorian: Sasha Moore

Graduating class: 84