SILOAM SPRINGS -- Almost 100 Gentry seniors crossed the stage in the Bill George Arena to receive their diplomas on Saturday night.
Graduating seniors, in maroon caps and gowns, marched into the arena to "Pomp and Circumstance," performed by the Gentry High School band. Ethan Barnes led the invocation and Alex Ellis welcomed the many families, friends and other guests who filled the arena on the campus of John Brown University.
Seniors took flowers and presented them to their mothers in the seats and stands of the arena, with many exchanging hugs and shedding tears.
Parents of Gentry's honor graduates were brought on stage to hang medallions on their graduating scholars as the school photographer snapped photos.
Krystin Cox, Rachel Lawrence and Kyla Riggs sang "Hope You Dance" before the presentation of diplomas. Lawrence also sang the National Anthem at the beginning of the observance.
Sofiya Stasiv delivered the salutatorian's address, and Alex Ellis the valedictorian's. Tanya Patterson, educator and former Gentry student, spoke of the many things in life that can change one's course and urged graduates to expect challenges but to use them to move forward.
Then, Randy Barrett, superintendent of Gentry schools, announced that the graduates had met the requirement of the school and the state to graduate, and the school board presented diplomas to the listed 97 graduates of Gentry High School.
Derek Wood led in the final singing of Gentry's alma mater, and Christian Capehart closed in prayer. Caps were thrown high into the air as the graduates began to celebrate their accomplishments and exchange hugs and handshakes with family members and friends.
General News on 05/20/2015