The Class of 2023 graduated from Braxton County High School May 19 with Madison Duffield leading 124 classmates during the 54th commencement ceremony.
Principal Lori Stover-Williams presented the Top 10 seniors to the audience at the BCHS Eagle Field. The seniors were recognized for their outstanding performance in and out of the classroom.
Each one of the Top 10 also had their own job to perform during the ceremony. Laina Hamner, number seven, welcomed everyone to the ceremony, followed by the invocation by number five, Matthias Garavaglia. Bre Smarr, number six, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Number four, Kaylee Criner, introduced the guest speaker, Evelyn Post.
Jackson Davis, Salutatorian, addressed the crowd regarding his fellow students and their experiences over the years.
Valedictorian Madison Duffield talked about success and the future with fellow students.
After the Valedictorian address, Kira Brown, number ten, recognized the students who had received local scholarships from various community organizations.
Principal Stover-Williams recognized those students who were completers in their various fields of studies.
The theme of Evelyn Post’s commencement address was the fifteen pathways to success.
Dr. Mark Manchin, President of Glenville State University honored those earning their associates degrees along with their diplomas as part of the AA Pathway program at Glenville. Those students were Madison Duffield, Jackson Davis, Kaylee Criner, Matthias Garavaglia, Bre Smarr, Addison Grindo, Heidi Payne, Tempest Loyd and Madison Jurkovich.
Following the recognitions, the class of 2023 was presented. Assistant Principal John McElwain, read the graduates’ names as they were presented to Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Combs, Board President Evelyn Post and other board members to receive their diplomas.
After all names had been read, Kendall Bender, number nine, performed the turning of the tassel ceremony, signifying the seniors’ graduating.
Tempest Loyd, number three, gave the closing remarks.
The final step of graduation was led by Kayleigh Mays, number eight, who led the hat toss ceremony.
The field filled with cheers as the seniors threw their caps into the air, officially marking the graduation of the BCHS Class of 2023. (See additional photographic coverage on Page 11 of this issue.)
