Members of the Lockport High School Class of 2015 toss their graduation caps at the conclusion of the ceremony this afternoon at Artpark in Lewiston. (PHOTOS BY SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF)

By +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

---

Katie Dmochowski hugs Lockport City School District Superintendent Michelle Bradley while accepting a diploma on behalf of her brother Mike.

LEWISTON ― About 2,000 people were on hand this afternoon to celebrate the Lockport High School graduating class of 2015 at Artpark.

Three-hundred-eighty-two students received diplomas from Lockport this afternoon — and one student was honored post-mortem with his high school degree as Katie Dmochowski accepted a diploma on behalf of her brother Mike who died in a car accident on March 21. Dmochowksi received by far the biggest applause from the standing-room-only crowd.

Speakers included LHS 2015 Salutatorian Matthew Tapolski, Valedictorian Elizabeth Faxlanger, Co-presidents Lauren Isherwood and Tyler Fraass, Superintendent Michelle Bradley, LHS Assistant Principal Bernadette Smith, and keynote speaker Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey.

The Lockport High School Band interlaced the traditional Pomp and Circumstance by Edward Elgar with the Jedi Theme from Star Wars as the students made their way from Artpark's upper level to the stage and floor area.

There's dozens more photos of today's graduation here. (link)

The Lockport High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble sings "Bring on Tomorrow" during the graduation ceremony.

---

Get breaking news delivered. 

with the ENP Mobile app for Android.