Published: May 07, 2008 11:51 am            

Graduation nears for seniors

Area principals share their thoughts

By Derrick Miller

The Duncan Banner

Before area high school seniors can move into the real world, they must complete a few steps — the biggest being graduation.

The month of May is filled with graduations. Area graduations begin May 16 and officially come to an end May 23.

Graduations landing on May 16 include:



Marlow High School

The Marlow High School graduation is just one of several graduations on that day. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. in the new gym on Ninth Street.

MHS Principal Tommy Cosgrove said, “It’s the culmination of their high school experience.”

He said graduation is a transition from high school to the rest of the lives for the seniors.

“It officially declares them graduated,” he said.

The graduating class consists of 93 seniors.



Central High School

The Central High School graduation will also be at 7 p.m. May 16. The program will be in the school’s gym.

Principal Mark Perry said, “I think it’s a chance to recognize the students for all their hard work. It’s not quite the beginning of college, but it’s the end of their secondary work.”

Central High will have a graduating class of 27 seniors.

Perry said he thinks recognizing the students for their accomplishments is important.

“That’s why we hand out the senior awards during graduation,” he said.



Comanche High School

Comanche’s graduation will begin at 7:30 p.m. May 16 in the Harley-Barnett Stadium. The rain location will be the school’s gym.

Principal Steve Dunham said, “It means different things for different kids. For some, it’s sort of a confirmation for their improvement.

“It’s a culmination for the kids. I’m proud of the kids for getting this far and for the teachers helping them get there.”

Comanche’s graduating class will be 69 students.



Bray-Doyle High School

At 8 p.m. May 16, Bray-Doyle High School seniors will be graduating on the school’s football field. In case of rain, the gym will be ready as a backup to the football field.

Principal Jack Williams said, “I think the importance of graduation is that it’s a milestone for the kids. The dropout rate is so high across the country.”

Williams said people are usually more successful when they have a high school diploma than without. And, for the 29 B-D seniors, graduation will be an achievable goal.



Rush Springs High School

Rush Springs High School will have its commencement ceremony at 8 p.m. May 16 on the school’s football field. If it rains, graduation will be held in the high school gym.

Principal Mike Zurline said, “It signifies an end and a beginning for each student.”

Zurline said the graduation marks the end of secondary education for the 51 seniors.

“It’s the beginning of a new life, whether going to college or entering the work force,” he said.

Graduations taking place on May 22 include:



Duncan High School

Duncan High School is one of three schools having its graduation at 8 p.m. May 22. The ceremony will be in Halliburton Stadium. The auditorium will be used as the school’s rain location.

Assistant Principal Janice Gay said, “It is a celebration of 12 years of academic study and hard work. It recognizes our seniors.

“It’s well deserved.”

As of Thursday, DHS will have 230 seniors graduating.



Velma-Alma High School

Velma-Alma High School also will have its graduation at 8 p.m. May 22. The seniors and their families will gather in the J.M. Carey Fieldhouse.

Principal Mike Thompson said, “It’s just the culmination of 12 or 13 years of hard work and education.”

Thompson said the event will play an important part in leading the students in a positive direction for their future undertakings.

“It’s another door opened to technical school, college or life,” he said.

Velma-Alma will have 37 seniors graduating.



Empire High School

Commencement for Empire High School will be at 8 p.m. May 22 on the football field. If it rains, the ceremony will be in the school’s gym.

Principal Bob Grider said, “Graduation is important because it marks an important step they make in their lives. I hope they don’t see it as the end but as the first big step they take.

“I wish everyone could make that step because having a high school diploma is so important anymore.”

Forty-five seniors will be graduating from EHS.

And a May 23 commencement has been set for:



Waurika High School

Waurika High School is the last graduation of the school year. The commencement ceremony will be at 8 p.m. on the school’s football field. In case of rain, the program will be in First Baptist Church in Waurika.

Principal Dale Spradlin said, “Graduation and commencement exercises are important because they signal to a community that these individuals started and completed this important milestone in their educational lives.

“It is a time that we can recognize, commend these students, and encourage continual learning to take place. It represents an excellent opportunity to summarize one’s life and direct attention to one’s purpose.”

The school will have 22 seniors graduating.

        

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