The MIHS graduation class was abuzz after a most entertaining and heartfelt graduation at the Washington State Convention Center.

As soon as senior class president Jeremy Chow directed his classmates to perform the official “tassel flip,” the class proudly and triumphantly exited the convention hall into the loving arms of family and friends.

Excitement abounded as the new graduates received well wishes, flowers, and then sought out their friends for one last “graduation” photo. However, foremost on their minds was to perform a quick change out of their graduation gowns and head down to the school buses to be swooped away to start the official all-night party.

As the chaperones scrambled to account for every student and to get everyone organized into the right buses, the kids were giggling with chatter and laughter as the reality of a completed high school career dawned upon them.

The venues for the senior party are kept secret and are known only to a handful of the organizers.

With high anticipation, none of us knew where or to what we were headed until the bus stopped right in front of the venue.

What I can say is that the different venues filled the whole night with fun and excitement from blackjack tables, magicians, the amazing Salish the Hypnotist, bowling, billiards, boxing, photo booth and, of course, lots of prizes, snacks, pizza, pasta and soft drinks. All this non-stop fun left most utterly exhausted.

With the break of dawn, we quietly boarded the buses at 5:30 a.m. for the silent ride home back to the high school as happily exhausted new graduates of Mercer Island High School, class of 2012.

Proud Parent,

Ron Chow