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Tonights graduation caps school
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Break out your best cotton candy smile because there’s reason to celebrate. The end of the school year has arrived, capped by WCHS graduation tonight at 7 p.m. at Nunley Stadium.
Line up on the track begins at 6 p.m. with the processional set to start at 6:45 p.m. No rain is in the forecast for the outdoor ceremony.
One end-of-the-year glitch is report cards at WCHS. Executive principal Tony Cassel says report cards will not be ready to pick up today for 9-11th graders.
Those students will be able to pick up their report cards at the school Wednesday from 7:45 to 9:45 a.m., according to Cassel.
“All of our efforts have been in making sure we get grades finished for seniors because that’s required for graduation,” said Cassel. “The other students will have to wait until Wednesday morning.”
Celebrations have been taking place this week at schools around the county. A firetruck showered Bobby Ray students with water on Monday. That’s also the day students at Morrison enjoyed a carnival-type day with a dunking booth, sno cones and cotton candy.
At Hickory Creek, students were treated to rides on a 17-year-old mule named Ricky.
Project Graduation will be held at McMinnville Civic Center following tonight’s graduation. Students can begin registering at 10:30 p.m. for the all-night party that features music, inflatables, and tables groaning with food. Celebrations have been taking place this week at schools around the county. A firetruck showered Bobby Ray students with water on Monday. That’s also the day students at Morrison enjoyed a carnival-type day with a dunking booth, sno cones and cotton candy.
At Hickory Creek, students were treated to rides on a 17-year-old mule named Ricky.
Tonight will be the last graduation ceremony where Director of Schools Dr. Jerry Hale will present diplomas to the graduates. Hale is retiring June 30.
“This will be my 12th one and I’ve enjoyed each class individually and collectively,” said Hale. “At times, graduation has been very interesting, but they have all been enjoyable.”
With 393 graduates set to walk the stage, Hale says he expects to be sore from all the handshakes.
Dr. Hale says he has enjoyed working with three high school principals during his 12 years as director of schools. That includes George Bouldin for two years, James Bennett for nine years, and Mr. Cassel this year.
“I appreciate all the teachers and the thousands of students and grandparents who have made all these graduation ceremonies special events,” said Hale. “Retirement is a natural progression. I replaced Pedro (Paz) and someday there will be someone to replace Bobby (Cox).”
Project Graduation will be held at McMinnville Civic Center following tonight’s graduation. Students can begin registering at 10:30 p.m. for the all-night party that features music, inflatables, and tables groaning with food.