SILOAM SPRINGS -- For 110 Gentry High School seniors, Sunday afternoon marked the culmination of 13 years of school and the beginning of stepping out into the world, whether that be seeking a college education, serving in the military or entering the workplace. And there were tears and smiles on graduate faces, as well as on the faces of parents and loved ones who, in many cases, were caught by surprise at how quickly that young child which yesterday was taking his or her first steps today is stepping out into the world as a young adult.
In maroon caps and gowns, the GHS graduates marched in to their appointed seats in the Bill George Arena on the campus of John Brown University in Siloam Springs to the high school band's playing the Trio Section of Edward Elgar's Military March No. 1, better known as "Pomp and Circumstance."
Following the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" by Emiley Dilbeck and a short prayer of invocation by Tori Vetor, Kaven Flesner welcomed guests and visitors. The seniors presented their mothers with a rose and exchanged hugs with parents and family members in the audience.
Brae Harper, principal of Gentry High School, presented high honor graduates Caitlin Cox, Walter Dane, Kaven Flesner, Matthew Juillerat, Lauren Little, Spencer McCollum, Mallory Morris, Mirna Ruzek, Tori Vetor and Olivia Weathers, as well as honor graduates Ana Linch, Molly Moua, Semantha Neal and Petter Thao. Parents hung the special medallions around their children's necks and posed for photos.
Kaven Flesner, salutatorian, and Lauren Little, valedictorian, shared a few words with classmates and guests. Dr. Asa Pharr addressed the graduates as a psychiatrist and former Gentry graduate. The choir sang and Mallory Morris sang a solo, accompanied by Lauren Little on the piano.
Then after a few words reminding the student graduates of their parents and the pride parents had in their children on this special day, Randy Barrett, Gentry School District superintendent, presented the graduates; and, as Brae Harper read the name of each senior, one of the school board members presented each with a diploma.
And then, after singing the Gentry Alma Mater one more time as Gentry seniors and hearing the benediction spoken by Olivia Weathers, caps flew into the air and, in the words of Superintendent Barrett, the years of these young men and women as students of Gentry High School are now a part of "their favorite subject, history."
More photos are available for viewing or purchase at: Gentry Graduation Photos.
General News on 05/18/2016