GRAVETTE - Lion Stadium in Gravette was filled with family and friends at the high school commencement ceremony Saturday morning. The weather cooperated as the 101 graduates were led onto Lion Field by the high school faculty as the GHS band, directed by Mike Johnson, performed the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” processional.
Following the invocation by high honors graduate Whitney DeWitt, high honors grads Chase Brody and TJ Holt presented the colors. Honors grad Tanner Bryson led the crowd in the Pledge, followed by a rousing performance of the “National Anthem.”
High school principal, Jay Chalk, speaking in the absence of superintendent of schools, Richard Page, who was attending the graduation of his son at the University of Arkansas, complimented the graduates and reminded them of the solemnity of the occasion. He alluded to the Class of 2013 as the 105th graduating class of Gravette High School.
High honors grad Brenna Sullivan dedicated the class flowers to high school resource officer Danny Henry, who will soon be assigned to overseas military service.
Distinguished high honors grads Russell Sharp and Matthew VanOtterloo and high honors grad Skyler Warren each spoke of the solemnity and importance of the occasion for the graduates individually and collectively, who were probably assembled together as a group for the last time.
Assistant principal, Will Pittman, introduced the individual candidates who were presented their diplomas by school board president John Edwards and principal Jay Chalk.
A baccalaureate ceremony was held Friday evening in the Performing Arts Center conducted by the Heritage Baptist Church, with pastor Darrell Kepler as speaker. Songs and prayers formed the program during which graduates presented flowers to family and friends.
Another highlight was a slide show of members of the class, which is always enjoyed by class members and their families.
School News, Pages 8 on 05/22/2013