Graduation ceremonies take place throughout the county

Wanda English Burnett - Editor


Saturday, May 26 was a day of ceremony, pomp and circumstance for many throughout the county. The day began with graduation exercises at the Milan High School with a welcome by Michael L. Parks, principal. Both Parks and Superintendent Andrew Jackson presented diplomas to students. It’s time for Moving On by Don Besig was performed by the Milan High School Concert Choir accompanied by Senior Christine Lawburgh. The change of tassel ceremony was led by Zachary Baker, class president. The class motto was “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count it’s the life in your years,” by Abraham Lincoln.

The day continued with Jac-Cen-Del High School opening its door to commencement ceremonies at 2:00 p.m. “Remember This Day” was arranged and performed by senior Kaitlin Hughes following a welcome from Superintendent William Narwold. Principal Raymond Ratledge introduced the band/choir, who performed “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” under the direction of Glenn Unklesbay.

The senior class of 2007 was led in turning their tassels by class president Joshua Tunny. The class motto was “We could all take a lesson from crayons. Some are bright, some are beautiful, some are dull, some are short, some are tall, and some have weird names. But they all have to learn to live in the same box.”
Graduates from South Ripley High School were the last on Saturday to participate in graduation exercises.

The forty-first annual exercise took place at 7:30 p.m. at the Tyson Auditorium. Students were presented diplomas from Superintendent Ted Ahaus and Class President Dustin Mathews led his classmates in turning the tassel. The choir performed “Irish Blessing” with the band presenting “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The class motto was “Our lives are before us; our past is behind us, but our memories are forever with us.” The class song was, “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts.

The newest class of graduates from Ripley County number 217.

GARY FRANKLIN PHOTOS Pictured at right is Benjamin Demaree of Jac-Cen-Del High School giving the "thumbs up" after receiving his diploma. Pictured below are Brian Beard and Katelyn Bruns of Milan High School marching in to the graduation ceremonies held in the high school gymnasium. Pictured below, right, are Elizabeth Lewis (left) and Ashley Downey (right) of South Ripley High School as they gladly accept their roses during commencement exercises held on Saturday at Tyson Auditorium.