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Thirty-seven new graduates of DeLeon High
School were honored in elaborate ceremonies before a large crowd at
the High School Gymnasium on Friday evening, May 26.
DISD’s new Superintendent, Dr. Randy
Mohundro, made his mark on the ceremonies is several ways. The entire
school system faculty, from Elementary to High School, all followed
the procession of new graduates into the gymnasium, all wearing the
caps, hoods and gowns representing their degrees earned in higher
education.
 An
elevated stage with an elegant backdrop held the speakers podium, the
school board and campus administrators, as well as the tables with the
diplomas and scholarships. Banners on the speaker’s podium and tables
contained the recently created seal of DeLeon High School, dated 1893
and featuring a growling Bearcat and the Latin inscription “Nihil Sine
Magno Labore,” which is translated as “Nothing Without Great Effort.”
There were improvements in the media as
well, where the sound system was upgraded and the proceedings were
video recorded and simultaneously projected onto high walls on either
end of the gym.
The first significant order of business
was the awarding of scholarships to various graduates. A listing of
the scholarships follows the end of this article.
Thereafter Salutatorian Michael Prather
and Valedictorian Elizabeth Nabors read their addresses to the
assembly.
Next, DHS Principal Mark Lewis and DISD
Superintendent Dr. Randy Mohundro certified that the graduates had met
all requirements to receive their diplomas.
The new graduates then individually
climbed the stairs and walked across the stage to be handed their
diploma by Lisa Nowlin, president of the DISD Board of Trustees, and
congratulated by Dr. Mohundro. As each new graduate walked the stage,
there were cheers and applause from the crowd.
Following the awarding of the diplomas
and the turning of the tassels from right to left, the graduates left
in pairs after being given yellow roses and hugs from Principal Mark
Lewis and Counselor Kaye Quinn as the song “Freebird” was played.
In another change from the usual
graduation procedure, the graduates completely exited the gymnasium,
then re-entered as a group assembling in front of the stage for the
traditional flinging of the graduation caps. At that point the crowd
moved forward to congratulate and take pictures of their favorite
graduate.
Scholarships and Awards
A total of 41 scholarships aggregating to
$26,425 were awarded to 19 of the graduates. Two scholarships from
Tarleton State University and Cisco College involving paid tuition
were awarded, but not denominated as to amount.
The following is a listing of graduates
who received either scholarships or faculty recognition.
Dayla Barker - TFWC Heart of Texas
District Scholarship of $500.
Veronica Barron - Order of Eastern Star
Scholarship of $500.
Buster Carlisle - DeLeon Volunteer Fire
Department Scholarship of $500.
Gustavo Chavarria - DeLeon Ex-Students Association Scholarship in
Honor of Veterans of $250. Roy and Florene Thomas Memorial Scholarship
given by Trent Thomas of $250.
Joseph Cisneroz - DeLeon Ministerial
Alliance Scholarship of $500. First United Methodist Church
Educational Grant of $400. Thomas Betoncur Scholarship of $100.
Kia McCarty - DeLeon Ex Students
Association Scholarship of $2,000. Zion Lutheran Church Scholarship of
$250. Hocheim Prairie Insurance Scholarhip of $750. Carruth Family
Memorial Scholarship of $500. Brad Bufe Memorial Scholarship of $500.
Recipient of the DHS Achievement Award.
Elizabeth Nabors - Valectorian. Tuition
paid for one year at Tarleton State University. DeLeon Academic Awards
Scholarship of $1,200. Tarleton State University Arlie Brown
Scholarship of $2,000. Garry Clayton Memorial Scholarship of $500.
Audie and Zera Floyd Foundation Scholarship of $1,500. Roy and Florene
Thomas Memorial Scholarship given by Trent Thomas of $250. Recipient
of the DHS Scholarship Award.
Megan Nabors - Brett Sharp Memorial
Athletic Scholarship of $500. Cisco College Softball Scholarship of
$800.
Ryan Newton - Dewayne Lindley Memorial
Scholarship given by Eddie and Linda Lindley of $300. Roy and Florene
Thomas Memorial Scholarship given by Trent Thomas of $250.
Zach Paul - Farmers & Merchants Bank
Scholarship of $525. Panhandle Plains Scholarship of $100. Tarleton
State University Dean’s Academic Scholarship of $1,000. Recipient of
the DHS Citizenship Award.
Michael Prather - DeLeon Lions Club
Salutatorian Scholarship of $600. Tarleton State University Dean’s
Academic Scholarship of $500. Audie and Zera Floyd Foundation
Scholarship of $1,000. Early High School Graduation Scholarship of
$2,000.
Dolores Reyna - Armstrong Lodge #445
Scholarship of $1,000. James Perkins Memorial Scholarship of $1,250. DeLeon ATPE Scholarship of $250.
Kayla Rice - Tarleton State University
Human Sciences Scholarship of $1,000. First United Methodist Church
Educational Grant of $400.
Ashley Simpson - DeLeon Ex Students
Association Scholarship in Honor of Veterans of $250.
Striker Spencer - First National Bank of
Abilene Scholarship of $100. First United Methodist Church Educational
Grant of $400.
Cory Vaugh - Citibank Texas Scholarship
of $250. Cisco College Musical Arts Scholarship - Tuition and Fees.
Angela Villanueva - George R. Crump
Memorial Scholarship of $500.
David Wilson - First National Bank
Scholarship of $500.
Tyler James Womack - DeLeon Chamber of
Commerce Scholarship of $500. |
