Gentry seniors graduate Sunday

GENTRY — For 101 Gentry High School seniors, Sunday’s graduation ceremonies in the Bill George Arena at John Brown University in Siloam Springs marked the end of their high school years and the beginning of college or a career in the workforce or military.

The Gentry High School band, directed by Kerri Wesson, played the traditional march as the graduating seniors entered the arena and marched to their seats in front of the stage.

Audra Weathers and Alexandra Savage led their classmates and guests in singing the “Star Spangled Banner.” Jessica Sykes, a high-honors graduate, welcomed those in attendance at the graduation event. Students presented flowers to their mothers and then the honors graduates and their parents took the stage as medallions were presented for the students’ academic achievements.

Amber Ellis gave the salutatory address, and Derek German, the valedictory address. The choir, directed by Casey Jones, sang “Awakening.”

Terrie Metz, federal curriculum coordinator and soon-to-be district superintendent, addressed the students briefly regarding “faith, hope and love.” Randy Barrett, retiring superintendent, delivered a message to students and guests based on the words of two popular songs, one from the early ’70s and the other more current. He encouraged students not to let their academic or career pursuits keep them from being who they are and enjoying life along the way and not to forget that someone greater is watching over them during each step of their lives.

After Barrett presented the graduates, Brae Harper, high school principal, read their names, one-byone, and each crossed the stage to received a diploma and congratulations from the Gentry School Board.

And then, after another choir selection and the singing of the Alma Mater, caps flew and graduates celebrated the day and their accomplishments with family and friends.

High-honor graduates included: Destiny Bolles, Avarie Coones, Avery Cozens, Cole Cripps, Amber Ellis, Jakeb Ernest, Derek German, Eden Hosteter, Michael Lee, Colton Little, Minoah Milam, Austin Morris, Lydia Pye, Braden Rector, Jazlyn Sanderson, Alexandra Savage, Yuliana Stasiv, Makensi Sweeten, Jessica Sykes, Trey Welch and Mystic West. Fiona Long was an honor graduate.

Led by Amber Ellis, Derek German and Jessica Sykes, Gentry seniors were ready to march in at graduation ceremonies at Bill George Arena in Siloam Springs on Sunday. Photos by Randy Moll

Destiny Bolles, with her father and mother, waited to go on stage to receive her high-honor medallion during graduation ceremonies on Sunday afternoon.

Randy Barrett, superintendent of Gentry Public Schools, addressed the students and guests during the 2017 Gentry High School graduation ceremonies in Siloam Springs on Sunday.

Avery Cozens posed with his mother during Gentry High School graduation ceremonies on Sunday.

Avarie Coones’ parents pick up her high-honor medallion just before going on stage to present it during Gentry High School graduation ceremonies on Sunday.

Gentry high-honors graduates posed for a group photo before ceremonies began in Siloam Springs on Sunday afternoon.

Amber Ellis gave the salutatory address during Gentry High School graduation ceremonies on Sunday.

Derek German gave the valedictory address during Gentry High School graduation ceremonies on Sunday.

Hector Aguirre received his diploma from school board president Coye Cripps and posed for a photo with Cripps and board member David Williamson.