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Nyack High School Holds Graduation Following Teen's Tragic Death

NYACK, N.Y. -- More than 200 Nyack High School students said goodbye to high school and hello to the future during a ceremony on Friday in the school's auditorium. 

More than 200 seniors graduated Friday from Nyack High School.

More than 200 seniors graduated Friday from Nyack High School.

Photo Credit: Nyack High School/Facebook

The ceremony, which had been delayed a day due to the death of fellow senior, Kailana Koether on Thursday, just hours before the graduation. 

The school canceled the ceremony and moved it to Friday night and instead held a candlelight vigil in Kailana's honor.

Many students on Friday wore large K's on their caps to honor Kailana.

"The students were incredible and handled themselves beautifully," said Lisa Mininger Retallack, spokeswoman for the district. "It was an amazing ceremony and I was humbled by their actions."

Although it was hot in the auditorium, no one complained and for the first time the ceremony was broadcast live to an audience of more than 800, Mininger Retallack said.

Kailana who would have graduated with high honors as a member of the National Honor Society received an advanced regents diploma. She was planning to attend Fordham University this fall.

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