With Phase II construction finished and a new administrative staff, the De Soto High School graduation ceremony run somewhat differently this year.

The 2013 graduating class was the first to receive diplomas in the new gym.

The new gym provided for a higher seating capacity for graduation audience members. There was enough bleacher space for an estimated 2,000 people.

“I was told that we were expecting around 2,000-2,200 people last year, so I think we will have a full gym,” Principal Mark Meyer said.

Although there was more seating, the size of floor space provided for the band, choir, students, stage and staff has decreased.

For this reason, administration and band director Matt Bradford decided to cut the size of the performing band in half. Only the Symphonic Band played during the graduation ceremony.

Not only did the set-up for the ceremony changed, but Meyer hoped to shorten the ceremony’s length from last year.

“I want to make sure we realize is that there are a lot of people at graduation, and quite honestly, they are there for one reason, and that is to see whomever they are attached to walk across the stage and get their diploma,” Meyer said.

In effect, the amount of student speakers was cut in half. There were four student speakers: seniors Laura Meyers, Katie Gehrt, Sophia Templin and Nick Taulbee. Plus staff speaker, English teacher Philip Hamilton.

As a twist, there was a new annual tradition added to this year’s ceremony.

“There will be a new award that’s being given that is voted on and driven by the faculty at DHS. It will be given to one student annually,” Meyer said. “It [the award] relates to service given to your school. The person will be awarded a chord or medal, and some sort of plaque. We hope to keep this as an annual tradition, in order to promote the concept of contributing service to your school.”

The ceremony took place on May 18, in DHS’ new gymnasium at 2 p.m.