Graduation 2008

by Gary D. Bedigrew, JCN Principal

On the afternoon of May 17 it was my privilege to host the Graduation Ceremonies for the Class of 2008 at JCN. Under the direction of Mrs. Tammy Gigstad, the JCN Band began to play “Pomp and Circumstance” at 2:00 in the afternoon. As the music began, thirty-three accomplished young people began to march in to the JCN Gymnasium, an event in which all would see them receive their diplomas during the graduation ceremony. The JCN Valedictorian Joel Wallace and the Salutatorian Millissia Tomlinson delivered special words of encouragement and great joy of being part of the Class of 2008. These student speakers were followed by the seniors’ choice for guest speaker – Mr. Doug Mailen a JCN English teacher and Librarian who has been a important part of the seniors life’s during their high school years.

What followed, was one of the things that makes Graduation at JCN so special – the Senior Morph Show. As each student was announced, a progression of photographs was projected onto the wall behind the stage. Thirty-three sets of toddlers were digitally morphed into early teens and then finally into the magnificent young ladies and gentlemen about to receive their diplomas. Dr. Timothy Marshall with the assistance of School Board Members Ron Langston and William Perry Jr. presented each graduate with a diploma, a handshake, and a proud smile.

The In-House Training Class led by Mrs. Ann Hutchinson then presented a Senior Slide Show of some of the special moments and memories of their time at JCN, thus ending their childhood years passing them into adulthood to take their prominent part of society.

As the ceremony came to an end and the newly graduated students marched out of the JCN gymnasium I was once again taken back to the memories of a group of special young students that stole my heart during their eighth grade year at the EMS, where I also was honored to host their Promotion Ceremony to JCNHS. God bless you Class of 2008 and always remember your home away from home, Jefferson County North.