Teacher Jim Ruble leads the Class of 2013 at Mansfield Senior High as he pipes them out of the building on their final day Thursday.
The first strains from Jim Ruble’s bagpipe drew cheers and whoops from seniors assembled in the Senior High commons Thursday morning.
Ruble, who is retiring as the computer-aided drafting teacher, began playing on the bridge above the west end of the commons then descended the stairs and led seniors past Pete Henry Gym and through the doors to the student plaza.
It was the final regular day for seniors. They will return for graduation rehearsal on Tuesday and the annual Class Day scholarship and awards program on Wednesday. Commencement will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1, in the gym.
Ruble, a bagpiper since 1980, is a member of the Mansfield Royal Scot Highlanders Pipes and Drums. He is completing 36 years in education, 23 of them in Mansfield City Schools.
“Some people wanted me to wear my kilt,” Ruble said, referring to the authentic Scottish costume made by his wife, Vicky. Pointing to his shirt, he added, “This is as plaid as it’s going to get today.”