GRADUATES—Seniors file across Woodruff Field just below Alleghany High School for their graduation ceremony last Friday night in Sparta. Photo by Coby LaRue

Graduates receive diplomas May 29

Eighty-nine graduates marched across the stage on Alleghany High School's Woodruff Field during a ceremony last Friday night. Despite looming clouds, rain only briefly marred the proceedings, just before Superintendent Jeff Cox announced the graduation of the class while diplomas were being handed out. However, the event was breezy and cool throughout.

The event began with the seniors marching along the track surrounding the football field and then filing into their seats as the AHS Concert Band played "Pomp and Circumstance." Afterwards, the Bruce Wayne Osborne Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7034 presented the colors (flags) for the National Anthem.

Billy Packer, a well-known former basketball player and retired sports announcer who now is part owner of Old Beau Golf and Country Club, gave the commencement address. Packer was the lead broadcaster for the Final Four for 34 consecutive years. Other speakers at the event included Valedictorian Brandon Smith, Salutatorian Holly Harper and honor speakers Gage Atwood, Amanda Galyean and Samantha Kerley. Class President Celeste Caudill and Student Council President Brandon Edwards announced speakers, while Principal Paul Crouse presented diplomas.

In her speech, Harper said the day represented a bridge from the past to the future and noted the day marked the last time the students would ever be together as a class. "Every day for the past four years, I've said, I can't wait to graduate and get out of here," she said. "Now I realize I am going to miss being here."