This year’s Class Night celebration held on Friday night at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs included 157 scholarships exceeding $1,555,414 to graduating seniors and other Island students.

A beautiful sunset sky painted a fitting background for the festivities as proud parents looked on and took pictures, trying to capture their son or daughter’s shining moment on stage.

“Bless all of you who are receiving these gifts,” announced MVRHS president Margaret Regan to a sea of purple and white. “May they carry through the next four years of your life with grace and dignity.”

One hundred thirteen graduating seniors earned awards and scholarships totalling $933,614 for their achievements in fields ranging from academics, athletics, arts, community service and special interests. Post-graduates and other Island students received 237 awards totaling $621,800.

MVRHS director of guidance and counseling Mike McCarthy referenced the book Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl as he thanked community role models for showing graduates what it means to live a meaningful life through their generous donations.

“The outpouring of support for our graduating seniors and postgraduates overwhelms us,” said Mr. McCarthy. “Our local businesses, clubs, associations, organizations, PTOs, banks, sports teams, elementary schools and churches band together to help our families with the cost of secondary education. This is truly a community affair.”

A full list of scholarships will be published this week in the Vineyard Gazette.