Gentry graduates receive diplomas on Friday

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gentry High School's honor graduates, including valedictorian William Pyburn (front, left), class president Georgia Lashley (front, center) and salutatorian Jonathan Digby (front, right), posed for a group photo prior to graduation ceremonies at John Brown University in Siloam Springs on Friday.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry High School's honor graduates, including valedictorian William Pyburn (front, left), class president Georgia Lashley (front, center) and salutatorian Jonathan Digby (front, right), posed for a group photo prior to graduation ceremonies at John Brown University in Siloam Springs on Friday.

GENTRY -- Graduates from the 2022 senior class at Gentry High School received their diplomas in graduation ceremonies held at John Brown University in Siloam Springs on Friday evening.

The Gentry graduates, 113 of them according to the graduation folder, marched into the arena to Pomp and Circumstance, played by the high school band. The national anthem was sung by the Gentry High School choir.

The ceremonies lasted less than an hour, but diplomas were awarded, photos were taken and speeches from valedictorian William Pyburn and salutatorian Jonathan Digby were heard. Students again presented roses to their mothers at the beginning of the ceremonies.

Diplomas were awarded by members of the Gentry School Board, with names read by high school principal Brae Harper. Terri Metz, district superintendent, announced that the students had completed all the requirements of the state of Arkansas to graduate.

Tassels were turned and, after a final piece from the high school choir, the graduates tossed their caps into the air and began to celebrate their accomplishments with families and friends.

photo Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry senior Cora Bass looks toward the assembled audience during graduation ceremonies on Friday.
photo Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry's graduation ceremonies began with the pledge of allegiance to the flag and the singing of the national anthem by the GHS choir.
photo Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry High School salutatorian Jonathan Digby spoke to classmates, teachers and guests at the GHS graduation ceremonies in Siloam Springs on Friday evening.
photo Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry High School valedictorian William Pyburn spoke to classmates, teachers and guests at the GHS graduation ceremonies in Siloam Springs on Friday evening.
photo Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry High School graduate Lucas Guinn receives his diploma from school board member Randall Bolinger at the GHS graduation ceremonies in Siloam Springs on Friday evening. In the background is Brian Little, GHS dean of students.
photo Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry High School graduate Dylan Her received his diploma from school board president David Williamson at GHS graduation ceremonies in Siloam Springs on Friday evening. Brian Little, GHS dean of students, is in the background.
photo Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Following Gentry High School graduation ceremonies in Siloam Springs on Friday evening, it was time for photos with family members and friends, as seen in this photo with Gentry graduate Trenten Sheets.