You just never know what your going to see at a graduation.  Most times, it’s beach equipment flying around the graduates.  Or tortilla’s.  I’ve seen blow-up dolls,  Silly String, champagne (college graduation) air horns, green hair and once a guitar.  I’m sure there have been other things.

A graduate proudly displays his diploma during the Elsie Allen and Mid Rose High School graduation, Friday May 28, 2010 in Santa Rosa. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat) 2010

Friday night was a little different.  For the most part, the Elsie Allen High School graduation was a pretty mellow event.  No beach equipment was seen, no air horns or food product of any kind.  The only musical instruments were in the Lobo band.

Elsie Allen High School graduate Karen Torres embraces her history teacher Lauren Arcuri after receiving her diploma, Friday May 28, 2010 at Elsie Allen High School in Santa Rosa. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat) 2010

Then a distinct cheer started somewhere in the crowd and kept rising. What’s this?  A streaker wearing only a Ronald Reagan or Elvis mask and running shoes, took to the east sidelines of the graduation/football field and sprinted 150 yards south past parents, graduates, police and administrators.

A streaker, dressed only in a mask and running shoes, sprints across the football field during the Elsie Allen and Mid Rose High School graduation, Friday May 28, 2010 in Santa Rosa. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat) 2010

3,000 people held their breath as the runner leaped/flung himself over the fence surrounding Lobo stadium.  He was either going to make it clean or an ambulance would be needed.

Perfect vault, no ambulance needed. Everyone cheered.  Did the streaker evade authorities? I’m not sure.  Although I’m quite sure some people know the grad streaker’s identity.

After that performance, the graduates and crowd became noticeably louder.  Some no doubt were offended, others amused and some just plain shocked.

The graduation went on, administrators handling the situation with consummate ease and humor. As I left for another graduation in Geyserville, a cheer went up as Elsie Allen and Mid Rose High graduates flipped their tassel’s to the other side.

Just another day in Sonoma County.

-Kent Porter