By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
As numerous families and friends congregated in the gymnasium of Caverna High School, the 44 prospective graduates clustered in the school’s cafeteria to array themselves in the customary purple caps and gowns awaiting 7 p.m. when they would process two-by-two into the bright lights and the conclusion of their 12-year effort.
Once the time of the ceremony had arrived the 44 lined the small hallway between the cafeteria and the gymnasium. In each of their hands they carried a white rose that would be placed on the small table in the center of the gym dedicated to the late Caverna teacher Amanda Nunn who, in Principal Frank Beauchamp’s words, had a “lasting impact” on the class of 2024.
Beauchamp was joined on the raised stage by the members of the Board of Education and Superintendent Amanda Abell. As is a tradition with Caverna graduations the class from 30 years prior — in this case the class of 1994 — was honored along with the the purple-clad graduates. Beauchamp also recognized those students who were college and career ready, which essentially had the entire graduating class standing while the audience clapped and cheered from the bleachers, and those who finished in the Top 10 of their class.
One of whom was Zachary Ballard who is from Cave City and entered Caverna schools as a kindergartner. Ballard plans to attend Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College to obtain an associate’s degree in science before transferring to a 4-year university to study engineering.
Specifically Ballard is interested in aerospace engineering. He recalls staying up — despite having school the next morning — until 2 a.m. on Nov. 16, 2022 to watch the launch of Artemis 1.
“They interviewed one of the aerospace engineers who had worked on the rocket and that just sparked my interest in space travel,” Ballard said.
As is expected, Ballard is both excited by the future and somewhat saddened to be ending after a decade and two years.
“I feel melancholic,” Ballard said. “I’ve been here for a long time, I used to fight with it, but eventually I got comfortable here so now that I’m leaving I’m a bit sad.”
Another in the class was Meagan Wilson, who plans to study social work after graduation. Wilson said her desire to “help people find themselves” and a greater involvement in the community drew her to the field.
“I care a lot about helping people and being involved with my community and that’s all stuff you can find and do in social work,” Wilson said.
Wilson said graduation would be bittersweet, but overall she was excited for the next chapter.
“I’m nervous about [the future] but for the most part I’m just excited to be done and to be able to go into a different part of life,” Wilson said.
After the Top 10, and all those with cords and sashes signifying either their extracurriculars or academic successes, had been properly recognized, Beauchamp announced the class valedictorian, which was Shakair Purlee, to deliver some class remarks.
The address was emotionally charged with frequent pauses both filled with loud applause and comforting and reassuring pats by Beauchamp.
Purlee was born in Glasgow and has been a member of the Caverna school district since. She plans to go into the culinary arts upon graduation, though, currently she is uncertain as to any specialization in the field. Purlee cited the joy food brings people, and the influences of her culinary teachers, as the “spark” that began her interest.
“I picked culinary because ever since I was little…I always saw how my grandparents cooked, what they ate and how it would bring joy to them,” Purlee said.
Much like Ballard she described graduation as a bittersweet event.
“I feel really grateful and I feel like I’m prepared,” Purlee said. “I am excited and nervous because I’ve been here ever since I was little so I’m going to miss [high school] but at the same time I’m starting a new chapter in my life.”
After the applause elicited by Purlee’s remarks died down, Beauchamp began calling the names on the graduates as the 44 lined up and walk across the stage to get their hard-earned diplomas. Graduate Jamison Pippin led the class of 2024 in the turning of the tassels and Ayviana Olsen began the singing of the alma mater.
“I now present the class of 2024,” Beauchamp exclaimed after the benediction.
The graduation began at 7 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. While that was filling up with families and friends the prospective graduates gathered together in the school cafeteria to don their purple cap and gowns and to mingle with their fellow seniors. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
In total 44 Caverna student received their diplomas during the 41 minute ceremony. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
Each graduate, as they processed in the gymnasium, places a white rose on to a small table with a framed picture of Amanda Nunn, a Caverna teacher who passed away. According to high school principal Frank Beauchamp the students requested the display since Nunn had a “lasting impact” on the graduates. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
Much like a college graduation the 44 were allowed to decorate their purple caps. Some were ornately laid with flowers while others had inspiring messages. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
Shakair Purlee was the class valedictorian. Once she received her award from the principal she delivered an emotional class address. Her remarks were frequently interrupted by applause. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
After the valedictorian address and the conferring of the diplomas, Beauchamp slowly read of each of the 44 names as they walked across the stage to receive their diploma. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
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