GENTRY -- Commencement exercises were held Sunday afternoon for 112 graduating Gentry seniors in the Bill George Arena at John Brown University in Siloam Springs.
After a moving rendition of the national anthem was sung by Hunter Mills, Courtney McCollum welcomed all to the special ceremonies for Gentry's Class of 2019. Students again paid tribute to their mothers and exchanged hugs after the graduates presented their mothers with a rose.
Honor graduates were introduced by Brae Harper, principal of Gentry High School Conversion Charter, and the students received a medallion which their parents awarded.
The High-honor students included Makayla Case, Kevin German, Clay Goff, Bailey Harrington, Garrett Hays, Jaydon Jarnagan, Alexis McCall, Courtney McCollum, Parker McCollum, Hunter Mills, Liliana Navarrete, Stevie Peters, Madison Powlowski, Danielle Spencer-Rogers, Madison Ruth, Ayden Smartt, Cha Chi Vang and Mason West.
Honor students included Cindy Yang, Gavin Taylor, Andrew Reynoso, Sengsai Kue, Tamika Taylor and Alyssa Smith.
Courtney McCollum delivered the salutatorian's address and Kevin German, the valedictorian's.
Kim Acuff was the guest speaker and shared some of her own life experiences to offer advice to the new graduates as they step out into the world.
After Terrie Metz, Gentry School District's superintendent, announced that the students presented had met the graduation requirements of the state of Arkansas, diplomas were presented by members of the Gentry School Board and photos were taken of students with their diplomas in-hand.
Andrew Reynoso led students and guests in the singing of Gentry's alma mater one last time for the graduating seniors. After the class was introduced as the graduating class of 2019, hats flew into the air and students were congratulated for their successes.
Music at the ceremonies was provided by the Gentry High School band and choirs, directed by Hayley Watson and Casey Jones.
General News on 05/22/2019