GRAVETTE -- High school seniors in Gravette walked across the stage and received their diplomas in ceremonies held in the Lions Den Arena on Saturday morning.
The graduates -- 120 were listed on the graduation folder -- marched into the arena to Pomp and Circumstance, played by the Gravette High School band.
High honors graduates Audrey Houghton led the invocation, and Charlize Qualls led the pledge of allegiance.
Shannon Mitchell, the high school principal, welcomed family members and guests.
Maribel Childress, superintendent of Gravette Schools, addressed the crowd gathered in the arena and praised the accomplishments of the Class of 2023, urging them to achieve great things.
High honors graduate Siena Ralph dedicated the class flowers.
High honors graduate Mia Bassler, honors graduate Miracle Franks and graduate Ty Latta offered comments from the class.
Assistant high school principal Jared Schoonover presented the candidates, and diplomas were presented by school board president Heather Finley and principal Shannon Mitchell. Childress moved the tassels as students crossed the stage, indicating they were now graduates of Gravette High School.
Finley presented the graduates, saying they had met all the requirements of the state of Arkansas and were now graduates of Gravette High School.
High honors graduate Ethan Strecker spoke a benediction prayer.
Then caps flew, and the celebrations began.
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Graduating seniors honor the flag as the national anthem is played during graduation ceremonies in Gravette on Saturday.
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Members of the Gravette High School band play as seniors march to their seats for graduation exercises at Gravette High School on Saturday.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
High honors student Mia Bassler addresses her classmates during the graduation ceremonies in Gravette on Saturday morning.
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High honors student Ethan Strecker invites those in attendance to join in a closing prayer at Gravette graduation ceremonies on Saturday.
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Gravette School Board members watch during graduation ceremonies on Saturday morning at the high school arena.
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Maribel Childress, superintendent of Gravette schools, praises seniors for their accomplishments while students in Gravette schools.
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Dedicating the flowers at Gravette's graduation ceremonies on Saturday is high honors student Siena Ralph.
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Honors student Miracle Franks addresses those in attendance at Gravette commencement exercises on Saturday.
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High honors student Audrey Houghton offers the invocation at Gravette High School's graduation ceremonies on Saturday morning at the high school arena.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Gravette senior Ty Latta addresses students and guests during Gravette's graduation ceremonies on Saturday.
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Gravette seniors march in at their graduation ceremonies on Saturday in Lion Arena.
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Gravette senior Lucas McDougal gives a thumbs up after receiving his diploma on Saturday.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Shannon Mitchell, principal at Gravette High School, welcomes guests to Gravette's graduation ceremonies on Saturday.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
High honors student Charlize Qualls leads the pledge of allegiance at Gravette High School's graduation ceremonies on Saturday.
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Max Bassler poses for a photo after walking across the stage and receiving his diploma at Gravette High School graduation on Saturday.
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Recognized for his accomplishments during the Gravette graduation ceremonies was Christian Acosta-Mequeda.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Graduating seniors listen as speeches ware made before they receive their diplomas.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Though all were garbed in black cap and gown, Gravette seniors were prepared to walk different paths following graduation ceremonies Saturday at Gravette High School.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Gravette superintendent Maribel Childress turns the tassle on the cap of Will Betz after he received his diploma on Saturday.