DECATUR -- Thirty-two seniors walked across the stage at Peterson Gym in Decatur to receive their diplomas during the 2019 Decatur High School commencement exercise.
The group entered the gym in the way that generations of Decatur High School seniors have, marching to Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance" performed by the Decatur High School band. The high school choir sang the alma mater at the conclusion of the opening ceremonies. Once seated, the graduating seniors and the assembled family and friends were ready for the events to come.
Steve Watkins, in his first graduation exercise as superintendent of Decatur Schools, gave the commencement address. He was followed by Samantha Skaggs delivering the salutatorian's address and Dania Uribe delivering the valedictorian's speech.
The most popular part of the Decatur graduation every year is the senior class slide presentation. Each senior had pictures representing his or her life's journey from infancy to the present flashed across the gym's big screen. There were some laughs and some tears, but a lot of memories were shared during this part of the ceremony.
After the presentation of yellow roses to family members, teachers and friends by the seniors, it was time for the moment for which the seniors had been waiting, the dispensing of the diplomas. As Toby Conrad, high school principal, presented each senior to those in attendance, members of the Decatur School Board -- Ike Owens, Darleen Holly, Amy Brooks and Karen Davis -- handed out the diplomas.
The 2019 Decatur commencement exercise concluded with Superintendent Walkins announcing: "Having met all the requirements of the State of Arkansas and the Arkansas Department of Education, it is my great privilege and honor to present to you the Decatur High School Class of 2019."
Caps flew high into the air at Peterson Gym as the 2019 Class of Decatur High School celebrated its newfound freedom and class members' beginning steps into the future.
General News on 05/15/2019