Gravette seniors get diplomas

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gravette senior Timmie Betz addresses her fellow graduates and their guests during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette senior Timmie Betz addresses her fellow graduates and their guests during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

GRAVETTE -- Saturday marked the conclusion of a long journey for 121 Gravette seniors as they crossed the stage in the new Gravette Lion Arena to receive their diplomas. The graduation ceremony was also the first of its kind to be held in the new arena, which was finished last summer.

The seniors marched to their seats to Pomp and Circumstance, joined in the invocation led by distinguished high honors graduate Johhny Dunfee and in the pledge of allegiance led by distinguished high honors graduate Lane Wilkins.

Shannon Mitchell, Gravette High School principal, welcomed all to the ceremony. Maribel Childress, superintendent of Gravette Public Schools, gave a brief address regarding the family and community spirit of Gravette and told students that, no matter where they go in life, Gravette was their "forever home." "Once a Lion, always a Lion," she said.

Seth Lewman, a distinguished high honors student, dedicated the flowers, and high honors students Timmie Betz and Keeli Moore offered up comments from the graduating class.

Students' names were then called out one-by-one by Taos Jones, assistant principal, and students were invited to come forward and cross the stage. Diplomas were presented by Gravette School Board president Heather Finley. Mitchell turned the tassels on each graduate's cap; and board members Hope Duke, Jodi Moore, Tim Craig, Robyn Lovell, Tracy Moorman and Jay Oliphant congratulated the new graduates on their accomplishments.

Finley then presented the Class of 2021, and Taylor Neustel, a distinguished high honors graduate, spoke the final benediction.

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gravette senior Aiden Bethel poses for a photo with his diploma during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette senior Aiden Bethel poses for a photo with his diploma during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/Randy Moll
Gravette seniors were awarded their diplomas on Saturday inside the new arena at Gravette High School.
Westside Eagle Observer/Randy Moll Gravette seniors were awarded their diplomas on Saturday inside the new arena at Gravette High School.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gravette senior Tristan Batie smiles at a classmate during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette senior Tristan Batie smiles at a classmate during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gravette School District superintendent Maribel Childress gives a brief and "simple" address to graduates and their guests during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette School District superintendent Maribel Childress gives a brief and "simple" address to graduates and their guests during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gravette senior Kaylan Chilton watches as her classmates receive their diplomas during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette senior Kaylan Chilton watches as her classmates receive their diplomas during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gravette senior Keeli Moore addresses her fellow graduates and their guests during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette senior Keeli Moore addresses her fellow graduates and their guests during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gravette senior Taylor Neustel leads her fellow graduates and their guests in a closing prayer during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette senior Taylor Neustel leads her fellow graduates and their guests in a closing prayer during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gravette senior Adelia Perez receives her diploma from school board president Heather Finley during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette senior Adelia Perez receives her diploma from school board president Heather Finley during graduation ceremonies at Gravette High School on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gravette senior Lane Wilkins led his fellow graduates and their guests in saluting the flag during the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem at graduation ceremonies in Gravette on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette senior Lane Wilkins led his fellow graduates and their guests in saluting the flag during the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem at graduation ceremonies in Gravette on Saturday, May 15, 2021.