News 9 Flashback (1991): Oologah Seniors Weather Storms, Survive Tornadoes, Get Diplomas

High school graduation typically coincides with the passing of spring. However, the ceremony for Oologah High School seniors in 1991 was more typical of spring than the average commencement exercise.

This News 9 Flashback story tells the tale of seniors surviving a storm spring that year. Former News 9 reporter Russ McCaskey has the story.

"I can't believe it. I mean, I've wanted to do this, but this is just terrible," said graduating high school senior Sammy Hamilton.

Three times the ceremony was delayed due to thunderstorms, leaving some students believing their class was destined to be jinxed by weather.

"Yeah, sort of. It's kinda the way it goes, I guess. It is Oklahoma, and that's the way the weather is," said Curtis Postal, graduating senior.

A tornado had done more than $10 million in damage to the local K-through-12th grade campus.

The final three weeks of the school year were canceled.

But for one afternoon in 1991, the skies cleared just long enough to allow 72 graduating seniors to get their diplomas.

Watch the video above, or click here to see more News 9 Flashback stories on News9.com.