Student Challenges Principal to Epic Lightsaber Battle at Graduation Ceremony
The force is strong with this student and his principal — the force of life and laughter, that is!
Good News Network reports that Star Wars fanatic Hunter Wark-Pantoja made a decision to surprise everyone at his high school graduation by incorporating an element of his favorite movie franchise into the most important moment of his young life.
“The 18-year-old walked to the stage and after receiving his high school diploma he pulled two lightsabers from under his gown and challenged Todd Clerkson to a battle.”
He had suggested to the principal earlier in the year that he might bring a lightsaber to graduation, asking permission to do so. When the principal replied with a maybe, Hunter took that as a yes.
Hunter said he “wanted to surprise the entire audience of the Heritage Woods Secondary School ceremony — including the principal — and make it an epic moment to remember.”
“Mr. Clerkson said he was completely surprised but jumped straight into battle mode. when Hunter struck his Jedi pose.”
Joey Aconley, Hunter’s friend and fellow student, captured it all on video.
The brief video shows the moment this Stars War fan and Canadian student from Port Moody, British Columbia, hands his principal a lightsaber and engages him in a lightsaber duel before the graduating class of the Heritage Woods Secondary School and the entire audience gathered for the ceremony.
Talker News reports that Hunter attached the lightsabers under his graduation gown so they wouldn’t be detected and he could launch the surprise battle.
“The whole crowd was screaming and applauding – it couldn’t have been a better way to graduate.”
Hunter’s friend, Joey, recalled that Hunter was always pulling a Star Wars themed stunt at school bringing lightsabers to photography class as light sources and always arranging duels to celebrate May 4th (“May the Fourth Be with You” Day).
“One day we were chatting about doing something on stage at graduation – when he actually did it we all screamed and cheered so loud for him.”
What a special gift Hunter gave to his graduating class. He demonstrated the courage to be true to who you are, to spread joy at every opportunity, and to set your dreams into action.
And Mr. Clerkson taught everyone that joys are best shared and that the best way to respond to a fun surprise is to join right in on the celebration of life.
