SILOAM SPRINGS -- In their final act as Gravette High School seniors, 144 students walked across the stage on Saturday at the Bill George Arena, on the campus of John Brown University, to receive their high school diplomas.
The ceremony, moved to Siloam Springs because of the threat of rain showers, began with a processional to "Pomp and Circumstance" and the invocation by Kaylea Turner, a Gravette high-honors student. Austina Lee, another high-honors student, led in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.
Jay Chalk, Gravette High School principal, welcomed family members and guests to the special ceremonies; and Richard Page, superintendent of Gravette schools, offered opening remarks.
Sydney Hicks, distinguished high-honors student, dedicated the flowers; and class comments were offered by Spencer Heald and Caleb Velez, both distinguished high-honors students.
Following a break in the ceremonies due to a medical emergency in the audience and a prayer for the man who was taken away by ambulance, the ceremonies resumed and each graduating senior crossed the stage as his or her name was called by assistant principal Randall Hunt and received a diploma, shook hands with the school board and had his or her tassel turned from the right side of the cap to the left by Superintendent Page.
A closing benediction was spoken by Taylor Eaton, high-honors student, and the seniors marched out together from the arena, now officially graduates of Gravette High School.
More photos can be viewed or purchased at: Gravette Graduation Photos.
Community on 05/18/2016