A total of 33 graduates participated in commencement exercises on Friday at Hermit Field for the Hermitage High School Class of 2023.
Honors graduate Reece Reep gave the opening address, saying, “Some of the most memorable and influential moments of our lives were spent here at Hermitage High School. It is a time of collaboration and new beginnings.”
By Tim Kessler
Saline River Chronicle Contributor
Highest honors graduate John Robert Ellis said, “We have grown academically, physically and emotionally. I learned a lot from my time in nature.” He said nature was obedient, punctual and ever-changing.
“Tonight we emark on a huge change in our lives. We have to be resilient on our own,” he said.
Highest honors graduate Sayra Martinez said, “It still feels so surreal that we are the ones on the field,” adding, “Faith helped me focus. With God by my side, I know I can accomplish everything.” She said her mom was the strongest person she knew. “Pursue your passions and follow your dreams. Don’t let anyone else define your success for you.”
Counselor Shelly Wolfe presented scholarships, with Ellis being the big winner of $75,000 worth of scholarships. The graduates totaled $378,707 in funding.
Superintendent Dr. Tracy Tucker introduced School Board President Russell Richard, Vice President Kevin Reep, Secretary Mary Hamilton and members Dorothy Davis, Reia Orr Thomas, Gary Vines and David Wilkerson. Tucker will be leaving the district soon to become the vice chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology in Crossett.
High School Principal Mistie McGhee presented the senior class and School Board members presented diplomas. Grace Smith gave the closing address to thank the graduates, family and friends.
The class gathered together and tossed their caps into the air to conclude the ceremony.
The Hermitage High School Class of 2023 placed flowers in a seat in remembrance of classmate Elizabeth Guerrero. She was also noted in Martinez’s speech.
Also among the honors graduates was Ricky Hunter Robinson.
Other graduates included Giovani Emmanuel-Castro Aquino, Jessica Lynn Baker, Joseph Thomas Best, Benjamin Castillo, Madison Lee Delezen, Salvador Felipe, Micah Alexander Greenwood, Caeleigh Elane Grice, Dakota Jayce Wayne Grice, Chelcie Nichole Grider, Cameron Nicole Helms, Vanessa Isabela Lopez, Benjamin Kyton Lowry, Angel Martinez, Braden Christopher Mercer, Edithanely Esbeida Pena, Ethan Christian Perez, Melissa Ramirez, Jesus Ramos Jr., Thomas Michael Rice Jr., Perla Anahy Rincon, Katelynn Grace Roberts, Azael Josue Santana, Lisandro Santana, Richard Peyton Sellars, Paige Nicole Stanley and Ti’Mouriah Jewell Tate.