Burlingame HS, Graduation or CCS Finals? - 2009

I have to share with you a really classy thing Chris Holleran, the Principal of Burlingame High School, did Friday. As you may know Friday was graduation day in the SMUHSD. As such any seniors qualified for CCS had to make a tough choice of either graduating with their class or going on to CCS to try for the opportuntiy to go to State meet in Fresno. Burlingame had 3 seniors who choose to go to the CCS T&F Finals: Jennifer Carey, Amanda Koester(both in 4x100R & the 4x400R) and Rogan Meza(1600m). Unbeknown to them the BHS Principal drove down to Gilroy after the BHS 3pm offical grad ceremony ended at about 5:30. He surprised them with their diplomas. As it turned out they happened to have their cap and gowns which they kiddingly said if they qualified for the State meet they would wear to the podium. So with family, friends, other teammates and coaches around they were handed their diplomas from the principal while everyone hummed "Pomp and Circumstance". To say the kids were shocked would be an understatememt. While none of them made it to the State meet they will have one of the most unique graduatation memories of all the senior athletes competiting throughout the state. I have to believe Chris is a very caring individual. He has coached X-C, Track and Football during his teaching career so he has a great respect for the commitment student athletes make to their school and sports. BHS is lucky to have him. He did stay at the meet till the 4x400R ran in one of the last 2 events of the evening. submitted by Frank Hunt (BHS)