The Gargoyle will be on hiatus for summer break until school resumes on Aug. 20. This year's staff would like to thank everyone who visited our site in 2007-08. Here's a reminder of some key dates for the coming school year: Uni High registration (main office), July 7-18; new student orientation (Uni Gym), Aug. 15; Orientation Picnic (Crystal Lake Park), Aug. 17; new parent orientation (South Attic), Aug. 18; school begins, Aug. 20.

Alex Zhai, a 2008 graduate of Uni High, was one of six students chosen to represent the United States at this year's International Mathematical Olympiad. Zhai and his teammates were named to the U.S. team on Saturday, June 14, based on their scores on the USA Mathematical Olympiad exam and the Team Selection Test. The Harvard-bound Zhai won a silver medal at the 2006 IMO in Ljubljana, Slovenia, after his sophomore year and a gold medal at the 2007 IMO in Hanoi, Vietnam, after his junior year. The 2008 IMO will be held in Madrid, Spain, from July 10 to 22.

As part of the Gargoyle's coverage of this year's commencement ceremony, we are publishing audio files of the two student speeches that were given: Micah Berman's welcome address and Zoë Schein's farewell speech. Micah's audio has already been posted. Check inside for the complete audio of Zoë's speech.

One of the highlights of the Class of 2008's graduation ceremony was the senior ensemble's performance of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." Whether you first encountered this classic song in the English band's 1975 "A Night at the Opera" album or in Mike Myers' 1992 comedy "Wayne's World" or in its myriad other appearances in pop culture, you won't want to miss this rendition.

Missed this year's commencement ceremony or just want to relive some of the highlights? Check inside to listen to Micah Berman's welcome speech. He and Zoë Schein were selected by their peers to be the Class of 2008's student speakers.

Our graduation photo coverage ends with this slideshow focusing on the ceremony itself, including the processional, Micah Berman's welcome address, the graduation choir, Barbara Oehlschlaeger-Garvey's speech on behalf of the PFO, Frank H. Finch Jr's award as distinguished alumnus, the senior ensemble's performance of "Bohemian Rhapsody," Billy Vaughn's commencement address, David Bergandine's benediction, and Zoë Schein's farewell address.

Here comes one last entertainment guide before the Gargoyle shuts down for the rest of the summer. Erika Belmont and Gordon Ruan take a look at some of the big summertime releases in movies and video games, including "The Happening," "The Incredible Hulk," "Metal Gear Solid 4," and "Madden NFL 09."

A week ago the 64 members of the Class of 2008 graduated from Uni High in a ceremony held at the Krannert Center's Tryon Festival Theatre. Take a look back at the big event with this slideshow highlighting each of the graduates as they take to the stage to receive their diplomas.

Swedish prog-metallurgists Opeth released their ninth album, "Watershed," on Tuesday. Newly graduated senior editor Carl Zielinski made sure to pick up a copy, and is pleased that he did so. Read on for more details.

The 64 members of the Class of 2008 brought their careers as Uni students to an end Saturday at the Krannert Center's Tryon Festival Theatre, site of this year's commencement. Before the ceremony got underway, though, there was plenty to do "backstage." Photographer Anna Gooler went behind the scenes with the soon-to-be graduates and came back these photos as they got ready for the big event.

For many students, summer means travel, including school-sponsored trips. Sure, those Uni excursions to Japan, Germany, and elsewhere are fun, but what goes on behind the scenes to make them possible? Katherine Allen has the answers.

"My point is," writes Anna Cangellaris, "if you love something like art or athletics or theater or writing, make it the forefront of your focus. Don’t hide behind your calculus book or English texts simply because you have a knack for those subjects if they aren’t what you are passionate about. There are so many different things one can do, don’t try to conform to a mold and don’t let anyone ever put you in a box."

During her Uni years, Shivani Khanna got involved in a relationship that went from puppy love to lifelong commitment. Here's the story of how she got swept off her feet, thanks to the majestic inhabitant of the third floor: the Uni science department.

Sarah Pfander will be the first person to brag about her class, how cool and accomplished the seniors this year are. But, as she offers her congratulations and her best wishes, she hopes that this year's graduates will take some advice to heart.

"It would be nice if I could think of something profound and deep to leave to future students at Uni," writes Michelle Gao. "Unfortunately, all I can seem to think about right now is the odd feeling I have of wanting to leave quite terribly while also wanting to stick Uni in my pocket and take everyone with me everywhere."