By BECKY CRISSMAN
ROCHELLE — The gym at WCHS was packed Saturday morining as the Class of 2009 crossed the stage one last time, to receive their diplomas. It was standing room only as the senior class, consisting of just over 100 students, marched into the gym.
WCHS Princpal Arney Bryant gave the opening remarks before Honor Graduate Holly Dykes welcomed those in attendance. Several honor graduates recognized special guests, senior honor students, scholarship recipients and Marshals and Ushers for the ceremony. The WCHS chorus, featuring a number of members of the graduating class performed a selection of music throughout the program including LeeAnne Womack’s “I hope you dance” and “Time of your life” by Green Day.
The commencement address was the given by Salutatorian and STAR student, Phillip Bloodworth. He reminisced with the assembly on all the times the graduates had shared throughout the years, including mention of a teacher known to the class as “Hawkeye” who always managed to catch students with their cellphones. Before closing his speech he gave thanks to God for getting him to that moment in his life.
After students made their walk to accept their diplomas the crowd was treated to a slideshow comprised of “then and now” pictures of graduates. Afterwards, the crowd cheered as the Class of 2009 collectively turned theri tassles after a recessional the graduates tossed their cames in triumph, one even landing on top of a basketball goal. Afterwards everyone journeyed to the parking lot to say good-byes and congratulate their seniors.
