GUIDING THE GRADUATES

While graduates stepped into the next stage of life while completing each step of the ceremony, ushers guided them through each point. There were seven total ushers: the five class officers and two Student Senate members: seniors Chanley Morrow and Betheny Arbeene. 

 

Before the ceremony started, the ushers were in charge of laying out all of the Simmons-Bank water bottles, the programs, checking to make sure there were enough seats, and ensuring everybody was in their correct place in line before walking onto the field. 

 

“It's definitely a long process, but it's worth it because it all works out, and it all goes right,” Arbeene said. 

 

Throughout the ceremony, Arbeene was behind Vice Principal Dexter Barksdale and assisted with the name cards. After Barksdale scanned the card to be read on the speakers, Arbeene would take them and keep  them organized.

 

“I think not many people realize how much work is actually put into it. So I got to see that side of it,” Arbenee said.

 

Morrow was stationed off stage by the Lifetouch photo spot, directing graduates to get their photo taken off stage after receiving their diploma. This allowed Morrow the chance to see all of her graduating friends—all of whom she said she was sad to see go, like the people she met through volleyball and her church. 

 

“[It was] all the people I just grew up with in general…It was emotional, seeing how proud they were and how proud I was of them,” Morrow said. “It makes me excited for my graduation, to finally realize all the hard work you did paid off and finally get the diploma you've been working for for so long.”