By Debbie Robinson
news@joplinglobe.com
PICHER, Okla. — The 11 members of the 2009 Picher-Cardin School District graduating class crossed the stage and accepted their diplomas as the last senior class before the school district locks the doors for good at the end of this term.
More than 200 people packed into the commons area at the high school to cheer the graduates.
The residents, who live in the former lead and zinc field, are being offered buyouts through a federal program prompted by the cave-in risk in the area and environmental contamination left behind by the mining era.
But on Friday night, the focus was on the graduating seniors as they entered the commons area to the traditional processional.
Co-valedictorians Kayla Underhill and Melissa Snow thanked all those who guided them and supported them through their journey.
“We remember all those who started with us,” Underhill said.
The student population has dwindled over the past few years because of the buyouts and families relocating to other towns.
The district’s enrollment dropped to 52 students this year in kindergarten through grade 12, compared with 106 students last year.
“Everyone who came to this school will remain a part of us forever,” Underhill said.
The two young women recalled the trials and tribulations that have been endured the past few years, such as the buyout and a deadly tornado last year.
Their freshman year, Underhill said, was normal with clubs and sports, but those were eliminated as the student population dropped.
“Even through the tornado, our Gorilla spirit stayed strong,” she said.
Snow and fellow graduate Eric Allen Reeves received awards from the American Legion Post 147 in Miami for distinguished achievement. Snow also was honored by the Community Teachers’ Association for achievement and dependability.
The other graduates are Jacqueline R. Davis, Theron Zachary Duggan, Alyssa Lynn Hames, Angela Lynn Hayes, Steffanie Michelle Hayworth, Ciarra Marie Millard, Jonathan Isaac Redden and Randy Wayne Waldon.
Superintendent Don Barr presented certificates from the Oklahoma High School Honor Society to Snow, Underhill and Reeves.
“It’s not so important what you accomplish in life, but what you overcome,” Barr said.
He complimented the graduates for “reaching this milestone.”
“You’ve got to keep a positive attitude and believe in your abilities, and never give up,” Barr said.
Local News
11 receive diplomas in Picher’s last graduation ceremony
- Local News
-
-
Prosecutor’s office asking state if campaign used county assets
The Jasper County prosecuting attorney’s office is asking the Missouri attorney general’s office to investigate whether Sheriff Archie Dunn has used the assets of his office for his re-election campaign.
-
Service dogs participate in ceremony recognizing them for their work
The Carl Junction post office has a reputation for promoting the release of special postage stamps in unique ways. Wednesday was no different.
-
Volunteers from Tuscaloosa paying it forward in Joplin
As the teens moved farther along the bleachers they were painting, splotches of bright red paint kept appearing where it didn’t exactly belong. On the ground. On their arms and legs. On their clothing.
-
Webb City mural taking shape at corner of Main, Broadway
Last Thursday, the north wall of the Middlewest Building at Main Street and Broadway was white. Eighteen gallons of paint and a whole lot of red Solo cups later, it will be a completed community mural depicting the Webb City Farmers Market.
-
Filing deadline approaching for county offices in Kansas
The candidacy filing deadline for those seeking Kansas county offices that are subject to the Aug. 7 primary election is noon Friday.
-
Economic development strategies emerge from Joplin Regional Prosperity Initiative meeting
More than 30 people shared ideas Wednesday on ways to promote economic development in the seven counties that are participating in the Joplin Regional Prosperity Initiative.
-
Mike Pound: Singing the praises of music teacher
When I was in sixth grade, Sister Susan, the music teacher at St. Xavier’s Catholic School, walked over to me while I and my fellow students were singing at Easter midnight Mass and said a bit loudly: “Mike, don’t sing.”
-
Electric bill to drop $6 a month in Joplin
The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a request filed by The Empire District Electric Company, based in Joplin, to lower the fuel adjustment charge (FAC) on the bills of its electric customers.
-
Mo. Legislature officially ends its 2012 session
Missouri's annual legislative session has officially come to a close.
-
Strong to severe storms forecast for Joplin region
Storms developing across the central and southern plains this afternoon are expected to migrate into the Joplin region this evening.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Prosecutor’s office asking state if campaign used county assets
