ready to face a

brave new world

deannathomas@alltel.net

Staff writer

Each year Grayson County graduates a class of seniors into the "real world."

This year the Class of 2003 assembled for the last time, Sunday, June 1. The unique part of graduation this year was the sincere remembrance of five classmates who had died: Aaron Barnett, Tony Casey, Marie Escue, Taylor Hazelwood and Brian Whitworth.

Five chairs set empty before the class. Several graduates filed past the chairs before the ceremony to place flowers on the empty seats. In addition to cap and tassel, gown and ring, each senior wore an orange and blue pin with the names of the five printed neatly on it.

Although the memorial was a big part of the ceremony, and more than a few tears were shed, the overall atmosphere was one of excitement and happiness. The Class of 2003 was able to combine their love of lost classmates with their hopes and joys for the future.

Class President Chris Hill said of the experience, "High school is everything." Hill urged all his classmates to face their lives with enhtusiam and fearlessness.

Heather Heim and John Mike Ramsey sang Sarah McLaughlin's "I Will Remember You" with Allyson Cantway accompanying them on piano.

The top three percent of the graduating class was recognized before Chance Dennison gave his valedictory address. Dennison quoted Robert Frost's poem "Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening."

Salutatorian Amanda Webb also addressed class members about their paths to life before the presentation of diplomas began.

Superintendent Teddy White and members of the Grayson County Board of Education presented the diplomas to the students.

Before Principal Curt Haun dismissed the Class of 2003, rings and tassles were turned. Then, with an exuberate yell, navy blue motarboards were tossed into the air.