Members of the high school graduating class of 1974 in Moore, Okla., experienced a disrupted commencement ceremony due to the threat of an approaching tornado. Despite the storm bypassing the area, their celebrations were cut short as they sought shelter from the impending danger. The graduates, soaked and disappointed, later received their diplomas unceremoniously. Many harbored a hope of one day having a proper graduation ceremony to replace the one that was marred by inclement weather.
The desire for a commencement redo became a running theme at alumni reunions for the Moore High School class of 1974, with former classmates discussing the idea on social media. Finally, last year, a former student named Mike Wilson approached the school administration with the proposal of a full commencement ceremony timed with the class’s 50th reunion. Despite initial hesitation and suggestions of a mock ceremony at a Holiday Inn, the administration was quick to offer a full ceremony in the high school auditorium.
On Saturday, about 200 of the original 1974 graduates or their relatives gathered in Moore for a belated commencement redo. The weather was hot and sunny, with a slight risk of thunderstorms, but the threat of dangerous spring weather is a common occurrence in the area, which experiences numerous tornadoes each year. The devastation caused by tornadoes in the past, notably in 2013 and 1999, highlighted the importance of commemorating significant events like high school graduations.
The commencement ceremony for the class of 1974 featured a procession to the music of Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” march, speeches from the class president and salutatorian, and the opportunity for graduates to finally walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. For Sterling Crim, a graduate who had dragged his girlfriend to safety under the bleachers during the storm in 1974, the event held special significance. After relocating and starting a family in San Antonio, his wife’s death three years prior from colorectal cancer added an emotional layer to his participation in the ceremony.
The Moore Public School District has been proactive in making amends for missed graduation ceremonies, hosting belated ceremonies for classes affected by various events, such as the 2013 tornado and the 2020 pandemic. The school’s commitment to honoring the graduates of 1974 with a proper commencement ceremony showcased their dedication to commemorating significant milestones in their students’ lives. The event allowed for closure and a sense of completion for the graduates who had longed for a chance to experience their graduation rite without the shadow of a threatening tornado hanging over them.
Despite the passage of time, the memories of the disrupted graduation ceremony of 1974 remained with the class of Moore High School. The opportunity to finally have a proper ceremony, complete with speeches and the crossing of the stage, provided closure and a sense of fulfillment for the graduates and their families. The significance of such events in the lives of individuals, especially when marked by tragedy or disruption, underscores the importance of commemorating milestones and honoring the shared experiences of a community.
