PERRY, Iowa (KCCI) – The Perry Community School District honored its late high school principal during graduation over the weekend. Dan Marburger died while protecting students during a shooting at the high school in January. The district left an empty chair near the podium for Sunday’s ceremony. A coat was draped over the back of it, with red roses on the seat.

Seniors then dropped white flowers into buckets on either side as they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. During the ceremony, Clark Wicks, the district’s superintendent, thanked Marburger for his efforts in coordinating graduation every year.

The shooting in January also killed sixth grade student, 11-year-old Ahmir Joliff. Six others were also hurt.