Delayed and delayed again!

Gravette graduates finally have their day in the sun

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
After their names were called by assistant principal Taos Jones, Gravette students picked up their diplomas and stopped for a photo with a parent or guardian on Sunday afternoon in Lion Stadium. Kharli Furlow poses with her mother after receiving her diploma.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL After their names were called by assistant principal Taos Jones, Gravette students picked up their diplomas and stopped for a photo with a parent or guardian on Sunday afternoon in Lion Stadium. Kharli Furlow poses with her mother after receiving her diploma.

GRAVETTE -- Graduates of the Class of 2020 have had to wait and wait again to finally graduate from Gravette High School, but ceremonies finally took place on a hot July afternoon on Sunday.

Ceremonies in May were postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak and, with state approval, were scheduled for Saturday evening. But once again they were delayed, this time because of impending thunderstorms that moved into the area just about the time the ceremonies were to be held in Lion Stadium. The ceremonies were rescheduled to 3 p.m. on Sunday, and there was not a cloud in the sky to give shade on the very warm afternoon.

But, in spite of the heat, the ceremonies were held and Gravette's Class of 2020 -- just over 120 students -- finally got to walk across the stage, receive their diplomas and celebrate their accomplishments over the past four years as students of Gravette High School. Some students who could not be present because they were already away to begin their service in the military were honored during the ceremonies.

The ceremonies were a bit different this year, with graduates and their families wearing masks and social distancing on the field. There were no congratulatory handshakes or hugs shared between students and teaching staff. When diplomas were presented, it was Mom or Dad, Grandpa or Grandma, or another guardian who picked up and presented each graduate his or her diploma before posing together for a photo before leaving the platform.

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Led by assistant principal Taos Jones, masked graduates of Gravette High School marched into Lion Stadium on Sunday afternoon before being seated with parents and guardians on the field.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Led by assistant principal Taos Jones, masked graduates of Gravette High School marched into Lion Stadium on Sunday afternoon before being seated with parents and guardians on the field.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gravette High School principal Shannon Mitchell poses with her daughter, Madison Mitchell, during graduation ceremonies in Lion Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette High School principal Shannon Mitchell poses with her daughter, Madison Mitchell, during graduation ceremonies in Lion Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gravette School District's new superintendent, Maribel Childress, addresses the graduates and guests on Sunday afternoon in Lion Stadium.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette School District's new superintendent, Maribel Childress, addresses the graduates and guests on Sunday afternoon in Lion Stadium.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
The 2020 graduation was an unusual one, marked by masks, social distancing and delays due to the covid-19 pandemic. Kharli Furlow appears to reflect on the events of her graduation during ceremonies on Sunday afternoon.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL The 2020 graduation was an unusual one, marked by masks, social distancing and delays due to the covid-19 pandemic. Kharli Furlow appears to reflect on the events of her graduation during ceremonies on Sunday afternoon.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
These Gravette seniors were waiting for their row to be called to receive diplomas during graduation ceremonies Sunday afternoon in Lion Stadium. Though the telephoto lens makes it appear they were sitting side-by-side, they were actually spaced apart to comply with social distancing guidelines.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL These Gravette seniors were waiting for their row to be called to receive diplomas during graduation ceremonies Sunday afternoon in Lion Stadium. Though the telephoto lens makes it appear they were sitting side-by-side, they were actually spaced apart to comply with social distancing guidelines.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gravette graduates and their families were spaced out on Sunday afternoon in Lion Stadium to provide social distancing.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette graduates and their families were spaced out on Sunday afternoon in Lion Stadium to provide social distancing.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Lee Deatherage receives a hug after receiving his diploma on Sunday afternoon in Lion Stadium.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Lee Deatherage receives a hug after receiving his diploma on Sunday afternoon in Lion Stadium.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
High honors graduate Dakota Heaton leads students and guests in the pledge of allegiance at Gravette High School's graduation ceremonies on Sunday afternoon.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL High honors graduate Dakota Heaton leads students and guests in the pledge of allegiance at Gravette High School's graduation ceremonies on Sunday afternoon.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
The 2020 graduation was an unusual one, marked by masks, social distancing and delays due to the covid-19 pandemic. Kharli Furlow appears to reflect on the events of her graduation during ceremonies on Sunday afternoon.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL The 2020 graduation was an unusual one, marked by masks, social distancing and delays due to the covid-19 pandemic. Kharli Furlow appears to reflect on the events of her graduation during ceremonies on Sunday afternoon.