Carrier Mills-Stonefort High School graduates Class of 2015

On a mild Tuesday evening under a blue sky, the Carrier Mills-Stonefort Unit 2 high school held this year's graduation ceremony. Parents, relatives and friends gathered on the front lawn of the high school to share the moment with these young people.

Brooklyn Fugate led the opening prayer, and senior class vice-president Shayla Stone addressed the audience. Stone spoke of the shared experiences and all the things she appreciated from her time in high school.

"All of the experiences we have shared here, events big and small, we will always remember," Stone said.

Stone went on to thank the teachers and parents for, "All of the little things you did for us."

Salutatorian Zeb Sanderson delivered an address, speaking of the unlimited futures that awaited the class if they chose to achieve it.

"Life is now ours for the taking," Sanderson said. "We all have the potential to make the world a better place."

Casey Crowder delivered the valedictorian address and in a speech that spoke of the joy and sadness of the graduation. Crowder spoke of the memories of daily classroom life at the high school and how these days were now over forever.

"This is a bittersweet moment," Crowder said emotionally. "I will miss not seeing all of you every day," adding, "I love you guys."

Crowder also gave thanks to the teachers and staff of the high school, "I especially want to thank all of the teachers for what they have instilled in us."

Superintendent Richard Morgan addressed the audience, speaking of how the graduation of these young people was a group effort of families, schools and communities.

"Chief Chuck Rubright likes to say that it takes a village to raise a child." Morgan said. "I think that the villages of Carrier Mills and Stonefort have done a pretty good job raising the class of 2015."

Morgan cited one student in particular for her perfect attendance.

"I want to speak about one student especially in her perfect attendance over four years," Morgan said. "In four years of high school, this young lady has missed only a few hours of one morning. How many of us have missed just a few hours of work over four years?"

Morgan then presented Tynesha "Shining Star" Marshall to the audience. Marshall received a tumultuous ovation for her achievement.

The president of the school board, John Whiting presented the diplomas to the graduating seniors and as they passed across to stage.

Since 1938, the Carrier Mills high school has ushered young men and young women through the door of adulthood.