Members of Hannan High School’s Class of 2012 prepare to receive their diplomas on Saturday at HHS.
Pictured are (from left) Cortney Campbell, Kaitlyn Ellis, Chelsea Ward, Andrea Casey and Paula Edmonds sharing some final moments as HHS seniors shortly before Saturday’s graduation ceremony.
ASHTON — There was much “pomp and circumstance” as 39 graduates of the Hannan High School Class of 2012 received their diplomas on Saturday.
The HHS Commencement began with Jason Cody Call leading the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Dr. Karen Oldham introducing special guests. Next, the choir performed “Because We Believe/Thank You” arranged by Mike Barnhouse.
Next, the presentation of honor graduates was made. Those graduating with honors are: Jason Cody Call, Cortney LeeAnn Campbell, Mason McKenzie Dempsey, Kaitlyn Michelle Ellis, Caleb David Shaw.
Then, Mr. Clint Pemberton introduced Salutatorian Caleb David Shaw who addressed his fellow classmates and the audience gathered.
“The motto of Hannan High School is ‘Where Excellence is Expected,’” Shaw said. “There is perhaps, a better option though: ‘Hannan Semper Triumphat.’ Hannan Always Triumphs. We may not have some of the benefits of a larger school, but we triumph all the same. At times, our solutions are not the most eloquent or orthodox, but they are victories none the less. We may not have always been given what we wanted, but we almost always received what we needed. Through perseverance and ingenuity we find success. Later in life, this approach will undoubtedly service us well.”
Shaw then highlighted the Class of 2012’s many achievements by asking the following to stand: Members of NHS, FBLA, FFA, technical computers, 4-H, football team, volleyball team, basketball team, track and field team, baseball team, archery team, choir, pianists, theatre members and finally all the seniors of the Class of 2012.
Shaw then expressed his gratitude to God, family, classmates and teachers.
“Consider this now,” Shaw said. “Everyone of you, assembled here today has affected us in some manner or another. Many of you might not even realize just how influential you have been. You have helped us become the people we are today and the people we will be tomorrow. You have helped us triumph over much. In parting, I personally have one request of everyone here today, though it is meant especially for my classmates, ‘live long and prosper.’”
Next up, Dr. Oldham introduced Valedictorian Kaitlyn Michelle Ellis who also addressed her fellow students and those gathered in the audience.
“The Hannan High School Class of 2012 is awesome,” Ellis said. “Though all of us are different, we accept one another. We all get along. That’s something not every class can say. The Hannan High School Class of 2012 takes pride in being the first class to graduate six years through the new, renovated school. We are also part of Hannan’s baseball team making history as this year’s team won their first sectional game ever! Let’s go Wildcats!”
Ellis then spoke directly to her classmates, stating: “I want you to know that I believe in each and every one of you. I know that when you truly desire something, you pursue it. In the Bible we read, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.’ Through faith in Christ, we can accomplish great things. Life is full of obstacles and we have overcome high school’s obstacles. School is not just a place where students take notes from teachers to learn. Students spend most of their time at school and it is where we make mistakes and learn life’s lessons.”
Eillis then went on to recognize friends Chelsea and Courtney, Paula, Cody, Jacob and James, followed by teachers and staff including Mr. Maynard, Mr. Barnhouse, Mrs. Hagley, Ms. Edmunds, Mrs. Buchannan, Mr. Hoffman, Ms. Painter, Mr. Tench and all the staff at HHS for “everything that you do.”
Ellis then thanked God, her Christian home, her parents and grandparents and Heather, Rachel, Matthew and his family and her church family. The list of thanks began and ended with God, saying, “I thank God because without all of you I would not be standing on this stage today.”
Ellis then closed with: “Although this appears to be goodbye, I like to think of this event more positively. I do not look at this day as the end or a closed door behind me. Instead, I think of this day as another door opening. A minister, Edwin Louis Cole once said, ‘You don’t drown by falling in water; you drown by staying there.’ Graduates, this is our freedom! When we walk out of this gym today, we must enter through another opened door. Let’s continue to seek the open doors of opportunity. Class of 2012, ‘We’ve got this!’”
Dr. Oldham then presented the class to Mason County Superintendent of Schools Suzanne Dickens. Then, Mason County School Board Members presented graduates with their diplomas. Cortney LeeAnn Campbell then gave the order for crossing of the tassel.
A complete list of those receiving diplomas are:
Brittnee Danielle Adams, Alexander Landan Chase Adkins, Katelyn Suzanne Adkins, Jonathan Ryan Barnette, Michael Kyle Bartram, James Ronald Brumfield, Jason Cody Call, Cortney LeeAnn Campbell, Andrea Lee Casey, Kayla May Chapman, Luke Evan Dempsey, Mason McKenzie Dempsey, Kenneth Grant Doss, Paula Jean Edmonds, Kaitlyn Michelle Ellis, Steven John Flora, Ashley Marie Glenn, Terryn Leigh Presley Hall, Robert Adam Harper, Earl Lee Hedrick, Joseph Hayward Hutchinson, Walter Preston Kidd III, Billy Don Kiggins Jr., Richard Lee Marion Jr., Tyler Wayne Mayes, Whitney Elizabeth Mayes, Carl Franklin Mullins Jr., Jodie Mae Nicely, Tabitha Mae Plumley, Larry Wesley Powell II, Zachary Cole Rigsby, Luz Cairy Rodriguez Diaz, Casey Dalton Rowe, Caleb David Shaw, Brian Nelson Smith, Christopher Mark Smith, Taylor Ryan Smith, Jacob Glen Taylor, and Chelsea Nicole Ward.
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