Brewer’s senior ensemble leads classmates in the singing of the school Alma Mater following its commencement program on May 21 at the high school football stadium. | Clif Knight

Brewer High School conducted commencement exercises for 159 members of its 2013 senior class at the football stadium on Tues.,May 21.

Eleven members of the class, each of whom compiled a 4.0 or better grade point average during their four-year high school careers, were featured on the program.

Co-salutatorian Andrew Garrison gave the invocation, Will Garrison welcomed parents and guests and valedictorian Michelle Anderson gave the farewell address.

The class gift—a tree—was presented by Lindsey Goodner. Tributes to parents, academic life, campus life, communities and the class were given by Cynthia Cox, Alex Badow, Autumn Brooks, Reed Sowder and Rhett Pendley, respectively. Anna McLemore presented the moving of the tassels.

Class treasurer Dylan Self sang the National Anthem, the processional and recessional were played by the school band and the senior ensemble led classmates in the singing of the school Alma Mater.

Diplomas were presented by principal Jeremy Childers with the assistance of assistant principal Mark Edwards and assistant principal Jill Jones.

Class sponsors Jeff Self, Rhonda Booth, Julie Thomas, Angela Smith and Janice Winters coordinated the program.

Self complimented the class after organizing its marching order for the ceremony.

“Your have been a great senior class,” he said. “”I see a vast array of wealth in your ranks. Let me know if there’s any way I can help you in the future, I have enjoyed being your sponsor.”

Directing her comments to parents, Cox said: “Thank you for helping us in more ways than we can count. “ You were our first teachers and you gave us enough space to work things out on our own. None of us would be where we are today without you.”

“As teachers and mentors you inspired and motivated us,” said Bladow in offering a tribute to academic life. “The knowledge from your help will be with us for the rest of our lives.”

“We have learned life’s lessons, from kindergarten until now, that we will take with us for the rest of our lives,” Anderson told her classmates. “Be happy and make the most of your life no matter what path your take. Most of all, dare to be outstanding and carry yourself in a special way no matter how difficult life becomes.”