COLUMBIA, MO (KMIZ)

It is that point yr once more and college students are strolling the levels to obtain their diplomas. Columbia School held a commencement ceremony Saturday graduating nearly 400 college students.

Columbia School officers mentioned this yr lastly felt like a traditional commencement for college kids as a result of in contrast to the previous two years, household and pals sat intently on Saturday and celebrated the accomplishment of their family members.

Sam Fleury, Senior Director of Strategic Communications at Columbia School, informed ABC 17 Information that it was superior to have everybody collectively once more, shouting and cheering.

“It has been enjoyable to listen to the households shout and scream, that is my mother, you realize that is my sister. The scholar-athletes, loads of their teammates come and cheer for them, like I mentioned being all collectively and listen to these shouts out from the group,” Fleury mentioned.

Two ceremonies have been held on Saturday and the spotlight of the primary one was the faculty honoring Marine Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo.

Pichardo was killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan again in August and Saturday her mother and sister accepted Pichardo’s diploma on her behalf. Columbia School has now created a scholarship in Pichardo’s honor known as Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo Endowed Award.

When ABC 17 Information requested college students about their futures, they mentioned they’re prepared to begin their profession’s however know they may face challenges.

“Gaining that have and transitioning my schooling into actual world follow is de facto massive. I have been working at Boone for over a yr in order that’s going to assist loads,” mentioned Mason Positive aspects, a nursing main who graduated on Saturday.

Michael Nash, who’s a U.S. Military Grasp Sergeant that graduated on Saturday says he is prepared for the work power.

“I am taking a look at transiting out of the navy and a lot of the jobs that I have been in search of out require a Bachelors Diploma though I’ve 20 years of expertise. I feel that this may give me many extra alternatives,” Nash mentioned.

With the elevated variety of folks coming for gradations, it brings extra foot site visitors into town and Columbia enterprise house owners mentioned they’re feeling the affect. ABC 17 Information known as just a few widespread Columbia inns based mostly on their evaluations, and so they all mentioned they have been booked for the weekend as a result of commencement. 

James Kanne, proprietor of ninth Road Public Home, says the crowds are retaining him on his toes. “All bar house owners are involved about commencement weekend as a result of we’re speaking households coming in, in order that’s mother, dad, brother, sister, that is three folks proper there,” Kanne mentioned.

William Woods College additionally had a commencement ceremony Saturday and Mizzou’s will start Might 13.