Platte Canyon graduation to honor slain classmate

James B. Meadow, Rocky Mountain News

Published June 1, 2007 at midnight

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No gum, no flipflops, no pajamas and some decorum — please! — were a few of the dictums given to Platte Canyon High School's graduating seniors today at their morning rehearsal.

As school staffers reminded them to pay all outstanding fines and reiterated what clothing was taboo under their caps and gowns tomorrow, the 104-strong class listened with at least one ear.

After about an hour of orientation, the seniors crossed U.S. 285 and onto the athletic field where Saturday's outdoor ceremony is scheduled to be held before an estimated 500 guests.

Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener will be the commencement speaker for the graduation, at which Emily Keyes will be remembered and honored. Keyes was slain Sept. 27 when a gunman invaded the school and held her and six other female students hostage before SWAT teams stormed the building.

As the students sat, stood, walked and mingled on the field, there was a variety of casual clothing on display. But amid the torn pants, shorts, sweats and hoodies, nothing stood out more than the senior T-shirt worn by class president Cherese Smith. On the right sleeve was a pink heart with the initials EK.

Smith, who played volleyball with Keyes said, "The tragedy was sad and terrible, but it helped us all grow, made us stronger."

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