Diplomas awarded

101st class graduates from Gentry High School on Friday

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

— Graduating seniors - 112 were listed in the program for the event - received their diplomas Friday at commencement ceremonies for Gentry High School’s 101st graduating class.

Crowds packed the high school auditorium and the overflow area in the cafeteria to see the seniors cross the stage and receive their diplomas. The ceremonies were moved indoors because rains earlier in the week made the football field wet and soggy.

Speeches were given bysalutatorian Robbie White and valedictorian Carmen Krein. The graduation address was delivered by BJ Bayer, Academic All American defensive end at Gentry High School in 2000 and 2001.

Eleven students were high honor graduates and received special recognition at Friday night’s ceremonies: Sarah Barnes, Chase Coonrod, Dania Herrera, Jessica James, Carmen Krein, Samantha Morretti, Marly Pierce, Rachel Tisdale, Kalia Vang, Robbie White and Tiauna Wilkins.

Following the ceremonies, Full House - known to students as Mr.

Shelby’sBand because he not only teaches high school social studies but is also a bass guitar player in the band - performed in the gymnasium.

Gentry High School’s first graduating class was 100 years ago, in 1910, when 14 received diplomas.

Some expressed their disappointment over the limited seating in the auditorium. The possibility of reserving a new and much larger facility, currently under construction at John Brown University, for next year’s ceremonies so that there is room for all has been discussed at school board meetings.

School News, Pages 9 on 05/26/2010