PRAIRIE GROVE --High school is about "discovering or developing the beauty in each other," Ben Beason, president of the Prairie Grove Class of 2018, told his fellow seniors, standing before them on a hot afternoon at Tiger Stadium.
"While it may not be as obvious in some people as it is in others, noticing and appreciating that beauty is the most beneficial action a person can take," Beason said, later adding, "Wherever you go, I implore that you remember to recognize the beauty in people where you can, because even the smallest amount can make a difference."
With temperatures in the high 80s, not a cloud in the sky, Prairie Grove High School graduated 132 students from its Class of 2018.
Tiger Stadium was filled with parents, grandparents, other family members, teachers, students and friends. Many sat under umbrellas to stave off the heat until commencement started at 4 p.m. Saturday.
"This is a great place," Ron Bond, high school principal, told his students sitting in chairs before him on the football field. "There's no place I'd rather be than Prairie Grove, Arkansas."
Superintendent Allen Williams recognized teachers, staff and parents as those who have helped the graduates along their 13 years of education.
Williams noted students had guidance and help along the way, but told the graduates the credit goes to them for their hard work, "You're the ones who made it to this day."
"This is your day. Make the most of it."
Graduate April Stout thanked students and teachers for supporting her and her mom.
"When I think about school, it's like a home to me," Stout said.
She described graduation as not a beginning or an ending but as the middle.
"It's the middle of our life as we move on," Stout said.
She ended her speech with a shout: "Prairie Grove High School -- I thank you for your dedication and service."
Graduate Travis Southern said he will measure his high school days by the friendships he made and the times they had together.
Beason, who attended Prairie Grove schools from kindergarten through his senior year, said his mom encouraged him to be friends with as many classmates as possible. At the time, he assumed "ignorantly," he said, that she wanted him to be a kinder person.
"But growing older, I realized that as I learned more about my classmates and became better acquainted with them, I began to recognize each person's special talents and gifts that revealed their dedicated sense of humanity."
What his mom really wanted, he surmised, was to recognize that every person possesses a unique beauty.
He reminded his friends that Prairie Grove is home to them and that they were guided by the school and the benefits of living in a the small-town community.
"After 15 years, this place definitely holds a special place in my heart," Beason said. "I must admit I've fallen in love with the small town life."
He closed with, "I simply want to say I'll miss you all dearly and I'll treasure the memories I made here. Seniors, thank you, congratulations, and good luck."
Prairie Grove's graduation includes honor awards. The Class of 2018 had 15 seniors graduate with superior honors, which is a 4.0 or higher GPA.
The Billy Maxey Memorial Award was given to John David Elder for outstanding citizenship, scholarship, sportsmanship and athletic ability.
The Phyllis Made Orr Award was given to Sarah James Stone for outstanding citizenship, scholarship, sportsmanship and athletic ability.
Six students were named to the Prairie Grove High School Hall of Fame: Elder, Beason, Sydney Ruland, Jordan Summers, Autumn Benedict, Riley Masters. The requirements for the Hall of Fame include a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, district level recognition in any school-sponsored competition, and holding an office in at least two clubs or organizations on campus.
Mandy Hunt, high school counselor, announced the Class of 2018 was offered more than $4 million in scholarships and of that total, Hunt said, $56,000 came from local organizations and businesses.
General News on 05/23/2018