TRAIL — The Miccosukee Tribal Office auditorium was filled beyond capacity at the Miccosukee Indian School graduation May 2. Family and friends celebrated students as they made the transition from kindergarten, fifth grade, eighth grade and high school to the next steps in their education.

Dressed in caps and gowns, graduates walked down the aisle as Pomp and Circumstance echoed through the auditorium. Cheers and applause erupted as each proud grad took his or her turn in the spotlight.

The theme of the day was the endless quest for knowledge through education.

“If you have knowledge, you have what the group needs,” said Miccosukee Chairman Colley Billie. “You need to get knowledge, come back and give it to the Tribe. You will become leaders and we will rely on you.”

Principal Manuel Varela pointed out the end result of a lifetime of learning.

“A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions,” Varela said. “Congratulations for a job well done.”

Seminole students Omar A. Keeys-Billie, Jamere Osceola, Ava Osceola and Dionah Osceola-Bert joined their Miccosukee peers and received their diplomas from Chairman Billie. Seminole student Draycen Osceola also graduated.