By Carrie A. Mizell
The future is so bright for Bell High School’s graduating Class of 2009 that several seniors had to wear sunglasses at graduation Friday night.
“This is an extraordinary moment for the graduates of the Class of 2009,” said Rick Reed, principal at Bell High School. “High school graduation is the beginning of a new chapter in a book that is being written as we speak.”
The atmosphere was festive Friday night, despite the location being moved from the football field to the cafetorium due to rain. As the Bell High School Purple Powerhouse Band played Pomp and Circumstance 89 seniors filed into the cafetorium much to the delight of family members, friends and school faculty.
Prior to speeches by Salutatorian Ulrica Diamond and Valedictorian Michael Toal, Nancy Rowe recognized the 27 students who have attended Bell schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Those students are: Katelyn Faith Baker, Megan Rose Baker, Brandon Luke Blanchard, Kara Elaine Cannon, Meagan Elizabeth Cannon, Robert Alton Chaney, Ulrica Diamond, Lance Alan Fox II, Bryan Matthew Freeman, Cody Rea Hart, Zachary Ladd Hunter, Cory Michael Irvin, William Earl Joiner, Tyler Larae Jordan, Nicholas Eugene Kalapos, Meghann Tracey Lindsey, Christina Marie Nobs, Samantha Ann-Marie Ryan, Lyndsie Ryan Sanders, Lataria Ann Shoemaker, Mariah Elizabeth Stewart, Matthew Steven Sullivan, Sarah Jane Taylor, Tara Alexi Totulis, Chance Lee Vernon, Meghan Elizabeth Wendt and Nikolea Hope Yencho.
Once the diplomas were presented, the room filled with the sounds of the school Alma Mater: “Our strong bonds can n’er be broken, formed in old Bell High. Far surpassing words unspoken sealed by friendship’s tie. Alma Mater, Alma Mater deep graven on each heart, shall be found unwavering true when we from life shall part.”
Class President Joy Nazworth spoke just before the graduates tossed their caps into the air and shared hugs with family members and friends, all anxious to offer their congratulations.
Bell High School’s Class of 2009
Bell High School seniors Erica Dahlgren and Bryan Freeman laugh during a speech at Bell High School’s graduation on Friday. Photo by Anna Wild of Freeze Frame Photography.
Principal Rick Reed gives Salutatorian Ulrica Diamond her diploma.
Justin Fowler gives his classmates high fives after they receive their diplomas.
The future looks bright for BHS senior Lyndsie Sanders. Photos by Anna Wild.
