Friday, March 29, 2024

Class of 2013 Dismissed: 592 Dragons Graduate

View Graduation Photo Gallery below

In front of admiring families and friends, students in the Class of 2013 walked across the stage at Dragon Stadium to receive their diplomas. Carroll Independent School District hosted the Commencement ceremony on Friday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. for the 592 graduating seniors under clear skies and pleasant weather. As the time-honored Pomp and Circumstance filled the stadium from the Carroll Senior High Band, graduates were seen smiling and waving as they entered.

Guests and graduates rose to honor the United States as trumpeters Reid Appleby, Kelsey Bronson and Madeline Stevens played the National Anthem.

Senior Class President Alison Savage began with a warm welcome and introduction of honored guests in attendance including the CISD Board of Trustees, Superintendent Dr. David Faltys, Assistant Superintendents Dr. JJ Villarreal, Robb Welch, Julie Thannum and the outgoing veteran Dragon, Dr. Derek Citty.

Salutatorian Hope Miller addressed her fellow graduates with humor and poise. She touched on the universal Dragon theme of protecting the tradition. Hope mentioned that the theme originated on the football field, but has spilled over into every area of life at Carroll. Part of protecting the tradition is leading a life of excellence, which the Class of 2013 has done successfully. Hope frankly stated to her peers that life is not like Monopoly with a “Get Out of Jail Free card.” Rather, she described the importance of personal responsibility and making the most out of any situation that life may bring. Hope concluded with an encouraging sentiment. She informed the graduating Dragons that this is their time and their life. It’s not a scrimmage or a rehearsal. The “someday” so often talked about is now and the “somebody” is each and every graduate of the Class of 2013.

Following Hope’s remarks, Student Council President Jamie Little proudly introduced Eunice Lee, Carroll’s Valedictorian for the 2013 gradating class. Eunice’s soft-spoken words left the graduates with a sincere, hopeful message. Before imparting her wisdom, Eunice began with humor. She informed her classmates that each graduate has made their families extremely proud and if they were thinking about asking for something extravagant like a new car, now would be the time to ask. Eunice mentioned that even though she asked many for advice regarding her speech, she decided to take her own: be brief, and then be gone.

Eunice recounted some of the highlights from the past year including the wildly popular Gangnam Style and Harlem Shake, the coronation of a new Pope, the re-election of President Barack Obama and surviving the Mayan Apocalypse. She also debunked the misleading portrayal of life in high school perpetuated by Hollywood. She confessed that there were no “angsty” vampires or choreographed song and dance numbers in the halls of Carroll Senior High. Eunice admitted that because she hasn’t lived long enough, her advice is limited. However, she concluded her speech by encouraging graduates to reach for success, even though it won’t be easy, because it is worthwhile.

Shawn Duhon provided the certification for the senior class for the first time as Carroll Senior High’s principal. Principal Duhon addressed the parents and grandparents in the audience and thanked them for their constant support and encouragement. He revealed to the audience of guests and graduates that he has the greatest job in the state as principal of Carroll Senior High.

Duhon explained that protecting the tradition of excellence is a habit, something that must be done repeatedly to truly leave a lasting legacy. He also touched on the diversity of the Dragon community by clarifying that we are more alike in many ways than we are different. Duhon urged graduates to take the knowledge that they have accumulated over the years at Carroll and apply it. Lastly, he described to the Class of 2013 that they each represent something great as graduates of Carroll Senior High.

Before taking a panoramic photo of the entire audience on his iPhone, Dr. David Faltys offered the acceptance of the Class of 2013. Duhon presented a diploma to each graduate who walked across the stage. After Student Class President Jamie Little provided a farewell salute to the Class of 2013, seniors sang along to the Alma Mater with members of the Carroll Senior High Choir. Families and friends rushed the field at Dragon Stadium to congratulate their favorite graduate to the sounds of celebratory music.

If one theme were to sum up the entire night, many would say, “tradition never graduates.”

A special thank you to the Carroll Senior High staff and PTO who volunteered their time and efforts to make this event a success.

A commemorative DVD is available for purchase at the Carroll ISD Administration Center located at 2400 N. Carroll Avenue in Southlake. Contact the Board and Community Relations Department at 817-949-7080 for more details.

An image of a family bowling and dining

Photo of a solar eclipse