Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Prairie Grove Christens 122 With Diplomas
SUPERINTENDENT ACKNOWLEDGES GREAT CLASS
PRAIRIE GROVE — The Class of 2013, 122 strong, completed the final stage of high school with commencement exercises sending them off with fond memories and wishes for a bright future.
On Saturday, Prairie Grove High School graduated their seniors with a ceremony held at Tiger Den Stadium.
Megan Gerwig opened the ceremony with a celebratory prayer, marking the accomplishments and achievements of the class.
“Lord, help us to take our talents you’ve given us and use them for your glory,” Gerwig said while giving thanks for challenges and experiences along the way.
“They have molded us into the people you’ve called us to be. Let us never forget where we come from.”
Zak Galligan led the ensemble in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and several graduates slid over to accompany the school choir at one last occasion to sing the Star Spangled Banner and school song.
Ron Bond, Prairie Grove High School Principal, welcomed those in attendance and noted people all around the world were shar- ing Prairie Grove spirit with a live webcast of the event. “Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.” Allen Williams, Superintendent of Prairie Grove Schools, acknowledged a great class of Tigers.
“Some of you breezed through high school and made it look real easy, while others have overcome challenges just to make it to this ceremony,” Williams said, explaining regardless of the path the moment was significant.
“As with any journey many people help you along the way,” Williams said, recognizing parents and guardians, the Prairie Grove staff and members of the school board.
“I know you are equipped to maximize your abilities and make the most of your opportunity.”
Bayli Bradley performed a solo accompanied by John Vinzant on drums and Neil Luck on guitar with Katie Young, Prairie Grove choral director, on keyboard.
“This happy ending is the start of all of dreams... I’ve always got the memories as I’m finding out who I’m gonna be,” Bradley sang.
Caleigh Sue Moyer commemorated a visit made to the school by Congressman Steve Womack, who asked, “What are some things that make people doubt the kids of Prairie Grove?”
Moyer noted classmate, Vinzant, responded with, “We are just kids, people don’t want to believe we know what we are talking about,” and she went on to explain a class rich in the amount of love and community support they enjoyed at Prairie Grove.
Faith Smith performed a solo and Vinzant took the audience down memory lane with an entertaining twist, mimicking the voice tones and speech patterns of faculty members.
Vinzant noted Bond’s unswerving belief in the class’ potential as students.
Jon Halbert was the recipient of the Billy Maxey Memorial Award presented by Lynn Maxey Hussell, and Vinzant received the Prairie Grove Hall of Fame honor presented by Stephanie Ceniceros.
Ceniceros read several emails from staff members submitted in selecting the honoree, one of which read, “He has been a blessing to our congregation at church and to our youth group and every age group.”
Chris Arnold, counselor, noted awards to the class exceeded $4.3 million in potential scholarship money.
Bond said 10 graduates finished with a grade-point average above 4.0, including: Erin Galloway, Spencer Gauldin, Loren Gragg, Jon Halbert, Neil Luck, Hayley Mitchell, Will Pohlman, Brianna Suggs, Brandon Taylor and Jon Vinzant.