Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Emmet sends 18 into the world

Emmet High School held it's 2002 commencement ceremony with 18 graduates and a full gym of friends and families.

Five of these graduates were together through their entire 13 years beginning in 1989.

The 18 graduates were: Tonya Freeman, Eugene Hopson, Jr., Keri Schmitt, Cassaundra Block, Christie Adams, Bonnie White, James Kirkpatrick, Danny Casto, Courtney Lively, Christopher Parner, Ben Davis, William Dearinger, Kerry Love, Kelvin McClellan, Jr., Mark Reed II, Kimberly Westbrook, Amber Dougan and Kayla Schmitt.

Five of these were also honor graduates. They were: Kelvin Devan McClellan, Jr.  valedictorian, Mark Ronald Reed, II  salutatorian, Kimberly Marie Westbrook, Amber Lyn Dougan, and Kayla Diane Schmitt.

The graduates arrived early to take their professional photos before the ceremonies. The students visited with each other while waiting.

Emmet's Principal Shade Gilbert greeted many of the families as they filed in early.

After the ceremony began and all the graduates were seated. Graduate Courtney Lively gave the invocation.

Reed presented a short speech. Most of his content was addressed to his fellow classmates.

McClellan spoke of his gratitude to his teachers, school, and parents. He continued suggesting to his fellow graduates to "never look back with regret... to look forward."

Later in the program, Principal Gilbert related the several thousands of dollars McClellan has been offered in scholarships to several schools vying for his attendance.

Superintendent of Emmet Schools, Dr. Gene M. Ross introduced the speaker of the evening, Frank Henson. He said Henson was the students's choice for speaker.

Henson, Emmet faculty member and pastor of the Beirne Baptist Church, while relating several proverbs pressed the importance of the virtues of honesty, integrity, and pride.

Later in the program faculty member, Kelly and Henson were presented with special gifts from the graduates presented to they by Gilbert.

Gilbert had several other awards to present to many of the graduates from the many clubs and after school activities.

Together the Emmet graduates earned a total of scholarships more thab $100,000. Each was recognized and applauded for their efforts as they were presented with award letters.

President of the Emmet School Board, Steve Otwell, presented the graduates with their diplomas.

Afterwards, McClellan gave a short benediction, releasing the graduates to begin filing to the back of the gymnasium to await the last of them.

The gymnasium near completely full of people cheered each graduate as they proceeded to the end of the ceremony. When the last of the graduates encircled each other under the basketball goal, the group completed their moment with the tradition of throwing their caps into the air.

Their families and friends filled the gymnasium floor. The young people moved from graduates to alumni and dispersed.