Washington County Enterprise-Leader
PG Graduates: ‘This Is Your Time’
PRAIRIE GROVE — Prairie Grove 2017 graduate Zeke Laird quoted President Abraham Lincoln in addressing his fellow classmates Saturday afternoon in Tiger Arena.
Lincoln once said, “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”
Laird added to Lincoln’s quote: “I hope that you are proud of the community and the school here at Prairie Grove. There is no other community that I would rather be a part of than this small town.”
Laird was one of five seniors selected to perform or make a presentation at the 2017 Commencement ceremony. Graduates Danielle Hall and Amanda Remson sang a duet. Jonathan Hays played guitar and sang and Colin Devazier also presented a solo.
Laird shared 10 memories from the past 13 years of school in Prairie Grove. These ranged from high
school teacher Dickie Thomasson calling everyone “Ralph” to winning more football games than any other class in Prairie Grove High School history.
He encouraged the graduates as they go their separate ways to live in a way to make Prairie Grove proud.
“No matter where you go, remember where you came from and what shaped you into who you are,” Laird said.
With rain in the forecast for Saturday, the 2017 Commencement ceremony was moved from Tiger Stadium to Tiger Arena. The high school basketball gym was packed, standing-roomonly, as parents, grandparents, students, friends and school staff and teachers filled the place to celebrate the Class of 2017.
High school Principal Ron Bond opened the ceremony, talking to his seniors. The Class of 2017 graduated 138 seniors.
“Class, I’m very proud of you guys,” Bond said. “You’ve done well. You’ve made some amazing achievements as you’ve progressed through your high school career.”
Allen Williams, superintendent of schools, told graduates to enjoy the celebration.
“Seniors, this is your time,” Williams said. “You made it. Some of you breezed through high school, making it look easy. But some of you faced obstacles that looked insurmountable along the way but you gritted your teeth, worked a little harder and overcame those challenges to make it to this ceremony today. Whatever the case may be with you, we’re proud of you. This is your time. Make the most of it.”
The Class of 2017 was offered about $5.3 million in scholarships, counselor Mandy Hunt shared with those attending the ceremony.
“This is what keeps us going,” Hunt said. “Days like graduation are special for all of us.”
Bond said the scholarships offered to seniors and other accomplishments by students were evidence of hard work.
“The students at Prairie Grove have chosen a higher path,” Bond said. “The evidence is there. Keep doing that when you leave here today.”
Prairie Grove High School presents several special awards during graduation each year.
For 2017, Zeke Laird received the Billy Maxey Memorial Award, which is based on scholarship, citizenship and athletic performance.
Danielle Hall, Zeke Laird, Grace Mertz and Morgan Walker were named to the Prairie Grove Hall of Fame. Recipients must have a 3.5 or more grade-point average, achieve district recognition in a sport or other activity and hold an office in two clubs.
In addition, 14 seniors were presented medals for achieving Superior Honors: Madison Beaver, Hannah Carothers, Kelsea Davis, Micah Duncan, Tim Frerking, Danielle Hall, Zeke Laird, Parker Lopez, Grace Mertz, Spencer Parnell, Amanda Remson, Morgan Walker, Dawson West and Haylie West.