As solemn an occasion as graduation can be, it’s also full of joy – and that can spark humor, as it did tonight in multiple ways as West Seattle High School‘s Class of 2016 graduated in the night’s second ceremony at Southwest Athletic Complex. Consider, for example, the cloned principal:

The life-size cardboard versions of WSHS principal Ruth Medsker were something of a takeoff on the giant photos sometimes waved in the stands by families and friends of the 230+ grads. Of course, they displayed exuberance too:

District officials who guested at this ceremony included Superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland:

School Board director Leslie Harris was there to accept the class. Along with the WSHS Band, there was a featured musical performance by a group dubbing themselves Vitamin D and the Minerals – Delia Finney, Raegan Jarvis, Annabel Foucault, Will Sullivan, and Peter Bryson:

Speakers were Tess Beck with the valediction, Kammerin Thomas with “lessons of life,” and ASB president Gabby Carufel with the welcome. Class officers were president Annie Murphy, vice president Katherine Gregor, secretary Sara Bistrin, treasurer Birdie Harvey, and spirit representatives Delia Finney, Katie Boodell, and Lani Taylor.

The program listed the following as the class motto: “You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.”