SILOAM SPRINGS -- It was standing room only in the Bill George Arena in Siloam Springs as members of Gravette High School's senior class (with 131 seniors listed) crossed the stage and received their diplomas on Saturday morning.
The ceremonies were moved from the football field in Gravette to the indoor arena on Friday due to the high possibility of rain showers on Saturday morning.
Graduates marched into the arena to "Pomp and Circumstance," played by the high school band under the direction of James Hendrix. Elizabeth McCarthy, a high honors graduate, led students and guests in prayer; Casey Blanchard and James Isabell, also high honor students, officiated over the presentation of Colors. Emily Miller, a high honors graduate, led in the Pledge of Allegiance, after which the band played the National Anthem.
Jay Chalk, GHS principal, welcomed guests and Richard Page, superintendent of Gravette schools, addressed the students, staff, school board and guests.
After high honors student Jamie Harper dedicated the flowers near the platform, Ella Duke, distinguished high honors student, and high honors students Shelby Helser and Jacob Bookout shared visions from the past, present and future for the 2015 graduates.
Then it was time. As Randall Hunt, GHS assistant principal, called out their names, graduating seniors were greeted by GHS principal Jay Chalk and awarded their diplomas by school board president Jay Oliphant. The graduates were also greeted by other members of the school board as they crossed the platform.
Oliphant then presented the 2015 graduates after sharing some observations from the podium. Ashton Yarbrough, high honors student, led the benediction, and then caps flew into the air as the ceremonies concluded and the graduates prepared to march out into the world to be congratulated by family and friends and move forward into the next phase of their lives.
General News on 05/20/2015