Hartselle High awards diplomas to 205 seniors

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
The awarding of diplomas to 205 members of Hartselle High School’s 2008 senior class highlighted the school’s commencement program at J. P. Cain Stadium on Friday night.
Principal Jerry Reeves opened the program by extending a welcome to parents and other family members, friends and guests who filled the stadium’s stands to capacity. He also identified the 2008 class as “a very good group of students. “
Superintendent Dr. Mike Reed asked parents and grandparents of the graduates to stand and led the graduates in giving them a loud round of applause.
In addressing the graduates, he stated, “Graduation from high school is a beginning for all of your tomorrows. Now you are ready to begin your lives in the adult community. Whatever course you future takes, I hope you can look back here with a sense of pride and feel good about the way this school system prepared you for the future.”
Other speakers on the program were Olivia Adams, Welcome Address; Alexandra Kimbrell, Meditation; Justin English, Class History; Lindsey Smith, Reflection; Laic Southerland, Encouragement; and David Jackson, Farewell Address.
Nina Hal brooks, class president, presented the school with a portable sound system as the class gift to the school. Guidance Counselors Johnny Berry and Kenneth Lopez, assisted Reeves in the presentation of medallions to honor graduates and diplomas to graduates, respectively.
A highlight of the program was the HHS Combined Choir’s rendition of “I Will Remember You,” directed by Wanda Thompson.
In her meditation, Kimbrell said, “We remember one of our classmates, who, although no longer with us, was always a bright star in the lives of all who knew her. The flowers are in memory of Emily Orr and I ask you all to pause for a moment of silence in her honor.”