The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Mitch Worley, Quill Staff
At La Harpe, the gymnasium was nearly standing room only to watch 28 graduates from La Harpe Junior High School make the move from junior high student to freshman at Illini West High School in Carthage next year.
The graduating class was ushered in by the 6th and 7th Grade Concert Band performing "Pomp and Circumstance", which was followed by the Presentation of Colors by the La Harpe American Legion Post #301 followed by The Pledge of Allegiance.
Sonny Little gave the Invocation to officially open up the ceremony, then Superintendent Jo Campbell waxed poetic and spoke words of wisdom and encouragement to the graduating class of La Harpe Junior High for the year 2008.
The Junior High Chorus took the stage next and performed "Joy Inside" before Principal Lila McKeown and American Legion member Michael Blythe handed out awards.
Mrs. McKeown commended Jordan Carpenter, Skyler Johnson, and Samantha Scott for being honor students, awarding Skyler Johnson and Samantha Scott for having the highest GPAs throughout their tenure as LJHS students.
Michael Blythe then awarded Cassidy Burt and Hayden Fox with American Legion Awards for their stellar commitment to community and scholastic endeavors.
Upon the completion of awards being passed out, Mrs. McKeown then presented the LJHS Class of 2008 and School Board President Dan Horton passed out diplomas to the students.
The American Legion Retired the Colors and a Benediction followed from Salina Hicks, which drew the event to a close as the students walked proudly back down the aisle for the Recessional.
Congratulations to the La Harpe Junior High School Class of 2008 and good luck in your next four years of high school at Illini West.
Cassidy Burt and Hayden Fox received medallions for the American Legion Good Citizenship Awards.