GENTRY -- For 91 Gentry High School seniors, Sunday was a day to celebrate their accomplishments as they walked across the stage in the Bill George Arena on the campus of John Brown University in Siloam Springs to receive their high school diplomas.
The 2 p.m. exercise began with seniors marching in to "Pomp and Circumstance" played by the high school band, directed by Karri Wesson. After seniors arrived at their seats, Haylee Pyburn, a graduating senior, sang the national anthem while those in attendance stood at attention with their right hands over their hearts.
Hannah Boss welcomed guests and family members, and then seniors presented their mothers with a rose.
Honor graduates were presented by Brae Harper, high school principal. Parents and students walked onto the stage and hung award medallions around the necks of their honor students and posed together for a quick photo.
Hannah Boss, the class salutatorian, addressed her fellow students and the crowd with memories of their years together in Gentry schools. Following a choir piece by the high school choir, directed by Casey Jones, Abigail Powlowski gave the valedictorian's address and spoke of the accepting nature of Gentry students and Gentry residents when she moved into the school district.
Brittany Parker, formerly Brittany Coffee and a 2012 graduate of Gentry High School, addressed the students about seeking a career doing work they love. She said success is not measured by how much money a person makes but by finding joy in one's chosen occupation. Parker spoke of her education in the field of agriculture and how she chose instead to work as a photographer, something she truly enjoys but thought it would never be more than a hobby. She told students to never say never.
Terrie Metz, Gentry School District superintendent, presented the graduates, saying they had met all the requirements of the state of Arkansas; and diplomas were presented by members of the Gentry School Board as students crossed the stage.
Then, following the choir's rendition of "I Have Plans for You" and the singing of the GHS alma mater, led by Haylee Pyburn, students tossed their caps into the air in celebration of the fact they were now graduates of Gentry High School.
General News on 05/23/2018