PRAIRIE GROVE -- Prairie Grove's basketball arena was at full capacity on Sunday evening, as parents, friends and faculty watched 137 students receive their diplomas.
The event was originally scheduled to take place in Prairie Grove's football stadium, but was moved indoors due to the fear of inclement weather. The smaller basketball arena was stuffed with people, many of whom were forced to stand above the bleachers for the duration.
The event featured songs performed by graduating seniors Charli Guthrie, Austin Cunningham, Deven Athey and Abbie Bostian.
Dr. Allen Williams, Prairie Grove's superintendent, kicked off the ceremony by peppering his congratulations for the Class of 2016 with reminders of the many people that helped them along the way. He had school faculty and the students' parents stand up for applause.
"This is your time," Williams said. "Enjoy. But don't forget that many people have helped you get here. First and foremost are your parents....I look forward to hearing about the accomplishments of the Class of 2016."
Seniors Kaley Hassell and Roy McKenzie gave speeches about both the memories made at Prairie Grove and the unsure path that lies ahead.
"After 13 years here, we finally made it," said Hassell, who graduated in the National Honor Society and with Superior Honors. "Surrounded by our community and classmates, we're now at the end of the road....We've accomplished a lot."
While Hassell acknowledged that high school is the easiest chapter of many lives, she also said that she was hopeful for her class's future prospects. "Just like our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents before us, we'll figure it out," she said.
Hassell credited the community of Prairie Grove for having an "overwhelming sense of community and family" while also containing "diverse interests and backgrounds."
McKenzie was awarded the Prairie Grove Hall of Fame reward after his speech. During his high school career, which he graduated from a year early, he received a perfect score on his ACT, was voted as a top 20 student in the state of Arkansas, was a member of the all-region choir, and was captain of the quiz bowl.
"Starting tomorrow, you'll see the world through the fresh new eyes of a high school graduate," McKenzie said. "Now, I don't know if it'll be any different than it is now, but what I do know is that our perspective will change....We must exceed our own expectations or risk falling into ruts."
McKenzie also sung the praises of Prairie Grove.
"We've been lucky to grow up in such a small town that gives us such opportunities," he said. "These memories will forever shape who we are...We are from Prairie Grove."
Guidance Counselor Mandy Hunt then addressed the student body, reading off their accomplishments and scholarships.
"If you need anything, whether it's ten days from now or ten years from now, I will do what I can to help," she said.
Hunt added that Prairie Grove's Class of 2016 was awarded over $4 million in scholarship money.
General News on 05/18/2016