Published: May 11, 2009 10:10 pm      

Area high school seniors prepare for graduation

DUNCAN — The end of the school year is drawing near. For high school seniors throughout the county, it’s more than just another year. It’s the end of their high school careers.

It marks a milestone in their lives, whether they choose to go off to college or to work.

Each school will recognize 12 years of hard work with one night, one ceremony — graduation.

FRIDAY

• Marlow officially begins the graduation season at 7 p.m. Friday. It is one of only two high schools in Stephens County with seniors graduating this week.

Marlow High School’s graduation will be in the district’s multi-purpose building on Ninth Street. About 85 seniors are expected to graduate.

MHS Principal Wayne Moore said he is proud of the students who are graduating. This will be the first class to graduate with Moore as principal.

“They’re really a good class,” he said. “They’ve been successful.

“They’ve been pretty good models for the underclassmen.”

• Empire’s graduation will be at 8 p.m. Friday at the football stadium. In case of rain, the graduation will be moved to the gymnasium.

About 32 students will be graduating from the high school.

Assistant Principal Rodney Strutton said it’s going to be hard to see some of the students leave.

“We hate to see them go,” Strutton said. “Some of them have been with us since they were in kindergarten.

“We’re excited to see what they can do.”



May 21

• Velma-Alma will feature about 30 seniors receiving diplomas at 8 p.m. May 21 in the JM Carey Field House.

Principal Mike Thompson said the students have excelled in many areas, from academics to extracurricular activities. Thompson said the students have gone above and beyond their school duties to reflect positively on their school.

For instance, one student became the state BETA Club vice president while attending Velma-Alma.

“It’s a good class,” Thompson said. “They were in the first grade when I got here.

“They excel academically. They’re very involved in extracurriculars. And do I have to say anything about athletics?”

• Bray-Doyle High School will be graduating about 34 seniors at 8 p.m. May 21. The ceremony will take place at the football field, but will be moved to the gym if it rains.

Principal Jack Williams said the students have aimed to set standards since they’ve attended the school.

“They’re a great bunch of kids,” Williams said. “They always have been. They’ve always been a responsible group.”

• Duncan’s ceremony will have about 235 seniors graduating at 8 p.m. May 21 at Halliburton Stadium. In case of rain, the program will be moved to the Duncan High School Auditorium.

Senior Counselor Misty Wade said, “They’re awesome. We have a lot of students who really excel academically in this class.

“It’s a really involved group.”



May 22

• Comanche is one of two high schools graduating at 7 p.m. May 22. The graduation will be at the school’s football field. If faced with rain, the ceremony will be moved to the gym.

About 85 seniors are expected to graduate.

Comanche High School Principal Steve Dunham said the students have worked hard, but have been a fun class to watch mature since entering high school.

“They’ve grown up over the past four years,” Dunham said. “The class has a lot of personality. They’re multi-talented.

“We wish them well.”

• Central High will also have its high school graduation at 7 p.m. May 22 in the school’s gym.

The high school has 32 seniors ready to graduate.

Despite calls made to the school, Principal Mark Perry couldn’t be contacted for comment.