Graduating seniors celebrated the accomplishment of finishing their undergraduate degrees with their families and friends on April 12 in the Cannon Activities Center. The night kicked off with some words from former BYUHSA President Mustapha El Akkari and performances by the Samoan and Korean clubs. Over 1,000 people filled the floor of the CAC. Emily Smithson, a graduate from San Diego, Calif., who studied history, shared her thoughts and emotions of the night’s activities. “I am just so happy that my mom could be here with me, along with all of my friends who I have made here at BYUH. It has been such a blessing to come to this school and finish my education. It has been a great three years, and I am looking forward to the future.” Food was served to all in abundant amounts. Some feared there would not be enough food for all the guests because there were not even enough chairs. But the BYUH Catering Services came through in fine style with a great assortment of appetizers and deserts. Kassie McGonegal, a graduating senior from Eden, Utah who studied exercise sports science, happily smiled as she sat next to her mother and father and said, “I feel so blessed. BYUH has been amazing and I’m so happy that I was here during this stage of my life.” Jessica Brown, a graduate from Arizona, commented, “All around it was good. It was nice to have the chapters to perform, and it was nice to have a celebration.” According to her, BYUH would be as “… a good growing experience to get out on your own and find out who you’ll be.” At the end of the evening, the seniors took center stage to sing “Aloha Oe” one last time. After the last line, a loud “Chee-hoo” was heard followed by an eruption of cheers and tears of joy as the seniors said goodbye.
Writer: Matt Bledsoe~Multimedia Journalist
