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Clarksburg High School rallies behind one another at graduation

<p>Jacob Dennis, Cary Greene and Patrick Shifflett </p>

CLARKSBURG, Md. (WUSA9) -- Clarksburg High School’s Principal, Steve Whiting, said it was incredibly important to celebrate Graduation Wednesday, but his face still carried the weight of what happened hours before.

“I was the principal of Rocky Hill Middle School when these young men were in middle school so I’ve known them since they were 11. It’s very difficult,” he told reports after the Clarksburg High School’s Commencement Ceremony.

PREVIOUS: 3 Clarksburg HS students killed in crash a day before graduation

He described Jacob Dennis, Patrick Shifflet and Cary Greene as long-time, close friends. Principal Whiting and the senior school body mirrored that closeness by taking a moment of silence together at Wednesday’s graduation.

Commencement took place at Mt. St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md. Afterwards, we spoke with students and parents who offered prayers to their community and the victims’ families.

“Right now it hasn’t hit me yet,” said graduate Andrew Rawlings, who played football with the three victims.

“They were always very happy people. It’s weird to know sometimes you’re not going to see them,” said another graduate, Destiny Harris.

This made the hugs and closeness even more important. This is the second time the high school is dealing with death this school year. In September, Clarksburg High School lost 16-year-old John Dereggi who was struck and killed during a photo shoot near train tracks.

“It’s been a real up and down ride kind of like life and these kids, once you let them – once you leave you can only hope for the best for them,” said Destiny’s mother, Nadine Harris.

“We celebrate yet we can’t forget what we’ve lost. They’re all good young men. I just want to say to the family, you know, our condolences go out to them. We will always be a family,” she said after.

“We come together in times like this and make sure that we take care of each other,” said Principal Whiting. He said all three young men were not only athletic but participated in school clubs. They exemplified what Clarksburg is about, the Principal told reporters.

Grief counselors were on hand at graduation. The school’s principal says they will also have them at the school on Thursday.

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