GRAVETTE -- Although a chilly breeze filled Lion Stadium, the hundreds who attended the 2014 commencement ceremony for Gravette's 116 graduating seniors enjoyed the hour-long program under a bright, sunshine-filled sky. The event Saturday morning capped 12 years of educational opportunities provided by the Gravette school system.
Briefly, distinguished high honors graduates, Lacey Newell, Brian Smithers and Carson Alsup, addressed the stadium full of well-wishers with "Comments from the Class." These included remembering moments from the past, recognizing the challenges of the future and expressing appreciation to all for making the day special and possible. Distinguished High Honors grad Carson Hicks, III, participated in the presentation of the Colors. Other honors grads, who had special parts during the program, included Tori Key, Kelly Lang, Kaitlin Renn, Jayla Brown and Joshua Lockhart.
The GHS band, directed by James Hendrix, performed the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance" processional and the National Anthem.
High school principal Jay Chalk welcomed the crowd, followed by opening remarks by Gravette superintendent Richard Page which included mention of numerous accomplishments, awards and recognition for the class and its members which added to the importance of the celebration. Assistant principal Will Pittman introduced each class member, and each was presented the long-sought diploma by Chalk and school board president Danny Alsup. Superintendent Page performed the traditional tassel ceremony and other board members offered their congratulations to each senior.
Following the traditional "tossing of the caps," the seniors were mobbed by family members and friends who swarmed onto the field.
The class, which had the Tiger Lily as its flower, with class colors, orange, black and silver, adopted the words of J.R.R. Tolkien, "Even the smallest person can change the course of history."
Class sponsors were Shannon Mitchell and Seanne Sain.
Baccalaureate
A Baccalaureate service was held Friday evening in the Performing Arts Center, where Heritage Baptist pastor, Darrell Kepler, delivered the message. Honor graduates Meagan Ward and Peyton Scott had special parts in the program. High school teacher Harry Almond was honored with the presentation of the class flowers, a ceremony which is also held during commencement. Members of the class then honored their parents, loved ones and special friends with roses, a tradition at Gravette High School.
General News on 05/21/2014