T-R FILE PHOTO Marshalltown High School graduation ceremonies for 2017 will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at The Roundhouse. Doors will open at 1 p.m. This photo captures the excitement from ceremonies for the MHS Class of 2015.

Soon-to-be Marshalltown High School graduates, numbering more than 300, practiced Friday for what will be the end of a life chapter: commencement.

“It’s typically a packed house, so the earlier people get there, the better, so that they don’t miss anything,” said Marshalltown Schools Director of Communication Andrew Potter of this Sunday’s ceremony. “Expect the parking lot to be full.”

The doors of the MHS Roundhouse will open at 1 p.m., and proceedings are set to kick off at 2:30 p.m. Potter said this year’s graduating class is around 312 students.

“It’s typically between 90 minutes and two hours,” Potter said of commencement, adding cheers from proud families and friends are expected as members of the Class of 2017, one-by-one, make their way across the stage.

Music will be provided by the MHS Wind Ensemble, and a presentation of colors is scheduled at the start of the ceremony.

Speakers Sunday will include MHS Principal Jacque Wyant, Marshalltown Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte and Marshalltown School Board President Bea Niblock.

Wyant is expected to do the ceremony welcome and the presentation of the class for graduation. Schutte will address the graduates, and Niblock will present the students with their diplomas.

“They’ll have some student presentations,” Potter said. Students set to speak include Michelle Ankrum, Nyadoar Gatwech, Nicholas Cooper and Morgan Van Staalduine.

Additionally, there will be recognitions of staff, National Honor Society members, silver chord awardees, class officers, honor students with a grade point average of 3.5 or more, and honor students with a 4.0 GPA.

“I know the students are excited,” Potter said. “They’re ready to work on the next chapter in life.”

For more information, contact the district at (641) 754-1000 or visit https://www.marshalltown.k12.ia.us