Gentry High holds its commencement ceremonies Friday

GENTRY - Ninetyeight Gentry High School seniors were awarded diplomas in graduation ceremonies held Friday in the Bill George Arena on the campus of John Brown University in Siloam Springs.

Following an invocation led by Elijah Ramsey, Alan Herrera, the senior class president, welcomed parents, family members and guests to the Gentry High School graduation exercises.

Students honored their mothers, presenting them with a rose and an oft-exchanged emotional hug before the graduates received their honors.

Nine graduates received special honors and eight of those as high-honor graduates. Emilia Barrick, Maureen Broglen, Alex Hunter, Abby Paczowski, Marina Reyes, Jennifer Smith, Kendra Speer and Brookelyn Williamson were recipients of the high honors. Michaela Milam was an honor graduate.

Jennifer Smith gave the salutatorian’s address, and Maureen Broglen the valedictorian’s.

Kevin Parish played the guitar and sang “Time of Your Life,” and Jamie Newlun sang “These Special Times.” Sondra Masters was the guest speaker for the event.

Then, the graduates were presented by Randy Barrett, Gentry School District’s superintendent, and diplomas were presented to the graduates by members of the Gentry School Board.

The Alma Mater was sung one last time by the graduates, and a benediction was spoken by graduating senior Tyler Easter.

And, yes, the graduates celebrated their accomplishments with families and friends, shaking hands, giving hugs and shedding a few tears.

School News, Pages 8 on 05/15/2013