Searcy, Ar.,(LP) — Graduation is right around the corner and seniors are gearing up for the next chapter of their lives. Seniors have been preparing for graduation since the first day of their senior year. It’s a very special time for seniors because its a big step as they enter adulthood plus their finally free from high school. Everyone is going to miss all the high school memories and all their friends but at the same time after four years of it, their ready for a change in their lives.

Graduation is a very special night for both parents and the seniors themselves to walk on the stage in front of everyone getting their diploma.

It takes place at the Lion Stadium, but that depends on what the weather is going to be like that day. If it’s a sunny day then graduation will take place at the stadium, but if it rains it’s going to be at the Benson Auditorium which is in the Harding campus. Carolina Hernandez, a senior stated, “the typical graduation ceremony takes place outside, I want to get the whole experience and the location.”  The past couple of years it’s been raining on the day of graduation which caused a change of events for the seniors and their families.

This year, SHS has a new principal, Mr. Gene Hodges who came from Ahlf Junior High so most of the students know him. He’s going to be hosting his first high school graduation this year for the seniors. This year, Mr.Hodges came up with a new idea for the seniors. On their last day of school they will wear their cap and gown and walk in the halls of all the elementary schools. Everyone is on board with that idea because they get to inspire the children and plus they get dismissed after they get their year books.

Mr. Hodges is, “Very excited about what the kids can do with their future.”

He cares a lot about the seniors and all the kids because he’s had them since junior high and it, “Melts my heart to call their name during graduation”, but he’s excited to see what they’ve got planned for their future. His biggest concern he said is, “getting everyone’s name’s right.” This year Mr.Hodges created a graduation committee to get the teachers, “More involved in this event.”

Graduation is on May 11, and will take place at Lion Stadium depending on the weather. The morning of graduation is the practice which will be at 1 pm, then the actual event is at 7 pm. Everyone’s invited, so be sure to attend to congratulate the class of 2018 as they start the next chapter of their lives.