27 seniors graduate at Decatur High School ceremony

DECATUR — For 27 Decatur High School seniors, the long road from childhood into adolescence arrived at a fork, one road leading into the vocational field, the other to a college education and a lifetime career in a professional field.

Decatur High School held its annual commencement exercises May 14 at Peterson Gym in Decatur. More than 100 families, friends, faculty and honored guests were on hand to share these seniors’ transition from school children into the world of adulthood.

The Decatur High School band began the traditional graduation march, Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance.” The seniors entered the gym as individuals with a long gap between each. This break from tradition allowed family and friends the opportunity to take photos as the seniors moved to their seats in front of the stage.

The first section of the program began with an invocation, delivered by Jason Porter, Jr. Meagan Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the band played the National Anthem. Seven members of the high school choir led the seniors in the Decatur High School Alma Mater.

The salutatorian’s address was given by Dylan Frydrychowski, who paid tribute to his classmates. Ryan Shaffer delivered the valedictorian address, which also spoke of the accomplishments of his classmates but honored the teachers, coaches, staff members and administrators of the Decatur School District for their roles in the success of each student.

A popular portion of the program was the 10-minute slide presentation that chronicled each senior’s life with a series of 10 photos picked by family members. The seniors were unaware of the photos which would be included in the presentation. Some laughed, some cried, some even tried to hide.

After the presentation of yellow roses by each senior to a family member or friend, it was time for the walk. Their names were called and, one-by-one, they ascended onto the stage to receive diplomas.

Then came the awaited words, spoken by Toby Conrad, high school principal: “Having fulfilled all the requirements of the State of Arkansas and the Decatur School District, I present to you the graduating class of 2017.”

A sea of blue filled the air as the new graduates threw their caps in celebration. The proceedings were closed with a benediction spoken by Victoria Johnson.

Photo by Mike Eckels Members of the DHS class of 2017 celebrated their graduation from Decatur High School on May 14 by throwing their caps in the air.

Photo by Mike Eckels Aaron Owens (left) presented his son Bracy with his diploma during the 2017 Decatur High School graduation ceremony May 14 at Peterson Gym in Decatur.

Photo by Mike Eckels Meagan Smith led her fellow graduates, family and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening of the 2017 Decatur High School Graduation ceremony.

Photo by Mike Eckels Ryan Shaffer delivered the valedictorian’s address during the 2017 Decatur High School graduation ceremony at Peterson Gym on May 14.

Photo by Mike Eckels Jafett Puga (left) held his gown open while Marck Guadarrama used a steam iron to smooth out the wrinkles prior to the 2017 Decatur High School graduation ceremony at Peterson Gym on May 14.

Photo by Mike Eckels Leng Lee watched his portion of the senior photo presentation during the 2017 Decatur High School graduation ceremony. The presentation showcased a few photos of Lee during his school years.

Photo by Mike Eckels Dylan Frydrychowski delivered his salutatorian’s address during the 2017 Decatur High School graduation.

Photo by Mike Eckels Devin Doyle donned his cap and gown in preparation for the 2017 Decatur High School graduation ceremony. Doyle was one of 27 seniors who participated in the exercise.