CAIRO — Mother Nature hurled strong winds and heavy rain at Cairo Friday and threatened to steal the show at that night’s outdoor high school graduation ceremonies. But early contingency planning made for a smooth change of venue from West Thomas Stadium into Cairo High School’s gymnasium.

Limited seating inside the gym forced organizers to allow each of the 274 graduating seniors only five guests inside the gym. However, CNS Cable provided a live feed of the ceremony for viewing at the high school’s auditorium for as many as three additional guests and at the school cafeteria for any additional overflow.

Seemingly admitting defeat, Mother Nature calmed and the rain stopped before the seniors made the short walk from their gathering point in the school to the gymnasium. Clad in cap and gowns in the traditional school colors of black and red, happy, excited young women and men filed into the gym at 8 p.m.

The Class of 2016’s Salutatorian Harley Laing Ponder reminded his classmates to “relax, breathe and give 110 percent.” He also advised them to keep all their wonderful memories of high school and hold onto them in the future.

In an acknowledgement of all the teachers, parents, coaches and others who encouraged and supported the students through the years, he said, “Don’t just succeed for yourself, but for those who have helped you along the way.”

A few minutes later, the Class of 2016 Valedictorian Theodore Shannon Hendrixson took the podium.

He confessed after days of agonizing over his speech, he received candid advice from his best friend, “Stop complaining. Stop stressing. Just get it done.”

He used that advice as the theme of his talk, encouraging classmates to stop worrying and enjoy their accomplishments.

Hendrixson said stressing and worrying are “a waste of time, energy and resources. Worrying doesn’t make things better.”

By worrying, he said, “you miss out on the adventure and excitement life offers.”

As he and his classmates move into the next phase of their lives, Hendrixson advised, “Don’t stress. Take action. Stop complaining. Stop stressing. Just get it done.”