advertisement

Class entered kindergarten only days before the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on America

The ninety-eight members of the graduating class of 2014 at the Du Quoin High School entered kindergarten only days before the 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center.

They were graduated during commencement ceremonies on stage at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Saturday as the "Million Dollar Class of 2014." Or, actually $950,000 as the night's remarks opened with, "We only need another $50,000 and we take checks."

That's how much money this class and its nine valedictorians have captured in scholarships as they end their academic careers in District 300.

It was a night to celebrate, accented by junior members of the National Honor Society who wore white and ushered members of the graduating class to their seats.

The commencement program cover included a pen and ink drawing of the front of the new Du Quoin High School, which speaks volumes about the fact this class succeeded surrounded by hard hats for three years.

DHS principal Matt Hickam and his staff worked very hard to make this a night to remember.

The evening opened with a prelude by the DHS jazz band followed by the processional performed by Hannah Hamburger. There was also a special performance of "Carry on My Wayward Son" by senior members of the DHS band. Members included Cody Bailey, Broady Butler, Cole Cobin, Morgan Dennis, Collin Dorsey, Benji Eubanks, Andrea Francis, Tim Grissom, Trevor Jones, Kaitlyn Kern, Trystin Mansfield and Hayden Schubert.

Class president Hailey Stewart welcomed parents and guests to the commencement.

Nine Du Quoin High School valedictorians shared the stage and did a great job of blending the achievements of the class during four years of high school. . They included Cody Bailey, Bailie Caldwell, Sydnie Day, Morgan Dennis, Collin Dorsey, Brianna Green, Melaina Harsy, Abigail Myers and Kate Toler.

Class salutatorians are Mallory Korbar and Hailey Stewart.

Recognized for perfect attendance were Sydnie Day, Morgan Dennis, Collin Dorsey, Andrea Francis, Justin Morgan and Shelby Sizemore.

The program included the Drew Uhles "Operation Recognition" which honored Keyana Edwards ad Chance Murray, who are going into the military after graduation.

Principal Matt Hickam presented the Class of 2014 with diplomas being presented by Board of Education president Mike Ward, vice-president Charles Rice, secretary John Vancil and members Paul Brock, Dennis Cole, Zach McPherson, Larry Valier and Supt. Dr. Gary Kelly.

Students graduating magna cum laude with a four-year scholastic average of 3.75 or higher included Cody Bailey, Aubrey Davis, Collin Dorsey, Andrea Francis, Chandra Gilliam, Hanna Hill, Mallory Korbar, Hayden Schubert, Autumn Stockton, Bailie Caldwell, Sydnie Day, Benjamin Eubanks, Corwin Fritts, Brianna Green, Trevor Jones, Carissa Lindner, Brendon Shepard, Kate Toler, Cole Cobin, Morgan Dennis, Jayde Farmer, Alexis Galli, Melaina Harsy, Cole Kirkpatrick, Abigail Myers, Hailey Stewart, Katrina Whitley and Brittany Willett.

Students graduating cum laude who attained a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.74 GPA included: Emily Asbury, Broady Butler, Kaitlyn Kern, Ciara Morgan, Shaylin Sizemore, Annie Bastien, Sydney Cole, Justice King, Justin Morgan, Shelby Sizemore, Ryan Bell, Spencer Cook, Camdon Mercier and Grant Ruffing.