Class of 2009 to graduate Friday

Their class motto is "Ducks fly together," and the Rector High School Class of 2009 will soar into adulthood as one during one of their most emotional and memorable shared events -- graduation from high school at 8 p.m. Friday at the school gymnasium.

Loved ones from both near and far will gather to bear witness as the graduates begin one of the most revered rites of passage in American life and to cheer as the 46 class members receive their diplomas.

Valedictorian of the RHS Class of 2009 is Amanda Leanne Layer. Salutatorian is Bethany Danielle Sisneros.

Honor graduates are Robert Lawrence Mote, Sarah Sharie Hester, Joabou Michelle Mitchell, Hillary Dawn Calhoun and Miranda Ann Weaver.

Other members of the class are: Trent Joseph Arnold, Leigh Ann Beck, James Morris Bradshaw III, Logan Anthony Buck, Spring Daniele Carter, Jacob Keith Chronister, Tie Mikelle Clifton, Lindsay Jack Crawford, Tommi Christine Crawford, Nicholas Eugene Deringer, Justin Allen Duke, Courtney Lanette Freer, Kayla Marie Hampton, Ashlyn Leann Hill, Landon Roy Hunter, Bridget Marie Kilbreth, Alyssa Michelle King, Agustin Lee Lopez, Kelsi Jean Lopez, Jason Dale Mathis, Westley Scott Milburn, Luke Christopher Morris, Jonathon Blake McCarroll, Nathan Hunter McClelland, Tara Nicole Owens, Jessie Lee Parkus, Ashley Lea Parrish, Samantha Ann Seymour, Dalton Douglas Shaw, Arron Craige Spears, Samantha C.J. Stewart, Barry Andrew Turner, Aaron Logan Wesley, Gabrielle Nicole Wheat, Zachary Gage Whiteside, Matthew Jacob Williams, Colby Don Wynn and Michael G. York.

Graduates will enter the gym as the RHS Concert Band plays. Luke Morris will give the invocation. Addresses by the valedictorian and salutatorian will be followed by the presentation of awards by principal Wade Williams.

Diplomas will be presented by Rector school board president Dale Vangilder. Graduates then will join in singing their class song, "You're Gonna Miss This." Senior class members then will lead the school's Alma Mater.

The benediction by graduate Blake McCarroll will be followed by the recessional, also played by the RHS Concert Band.

Ushers for the evening will be RHS juniors Harmony Cagle, Stephanie DeMent, Clinton Haley and Cole Thomas.