Graduation nears for Saline seniors
By ROBERT SHEARON Staff writer

Sheridan High School held the first graduation in the area Friday night. Principal Donis Smead said about 285 students graduated. The event was held at 7:30 p.m. at Alltel Arena in Little Rock.

The school's distinguished honor graduates (above 4.0 grade point average) conducted the ceremony, with Jessie Winston, Lindsey Shephard and Mariah Patterson providing addresses. Brooke Payne confirmed the graduates. Chelsea Gatsky provided the welcome. Jared Guinn led the invocation and Erin Buchanan led he benediction.

Benton, Bauxite and Bryant high schools all planned graduation ceremonies on Thursday, May 22.

Benton will have about 280 graduates. The ceremony will be held at the Jack Stephens Arena at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, starting at 7:30 p.m. Three honor students will give speeches, but those students have not been determined yet, said principal John Dedman.

This is the first year for the school to hold graduation outside of Benton.

Dedman said that parents who don't have transportation to the arena call the school at 778-3288 to be placed on a list to take a school-furnished bus. He said the students all have transportation.

Bryant High School will graduate about 440 seniors, according to school counselor Steve Finley He said the ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. at Alltel Arena. The valedictorian and salutatorian had not been named at press time.

Bauxite High School will graudate 81 senior at 7 p.m. at the school's Dawson Gym, said Hollie Collat, school counselor. The valedictory address will be given by Keenan Gillispie and the salutatory address will be given by Jaylynn Chitwood.

Harmony Grove High School will hold its graudation ceremony at 7 p.m. Fri- day, May 23 at the school's Daniel Henley Fieldhouse.

School secretary Diane Lyman said 48 students are scheduled to graduate. The school doesn't recognize a valedictorian and salutatorian, but groups honor students various classes. The top class, those graduating Summa Cum Laude, are Daegan Haller, Mallory Cabe and Brooke Baxley, each of whom will give an address.

Glen Rose High School will hold its graduation at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 23 at the school's sports arena. About 70 students will graduate. The valedictorian and salutatorian have not been named yet.