This is the 14th entry in the Class of 2023 series.
It was standing room only Friday evening at the White Hall High School commencement.
Both sets of bleachers and overflow seating at Bulldog Stadium were full, leaving some guests standing. Twenty-five of the approximately 219 students graduated with honors.
Jacob Thien Tai Pham was named the 2023 class valedictorian and both Manas Patel and Parker Wiley served as salutatorians.
"Today, we stand at the threshold," said Wiley. Patel's topic was, "The path before us ... Embrace the future."
Pham said, "We must challenge ourselves, push ourselves." In a moment of levity, he encouraged his fellow classmates, "Go big or go home."
Before starting his speech, Pham expressed his sympathy for the family of Benjamin Redix, who was shot and killed the night before in North Little Rock. Redix was a classmate and a star athlete.
Prior to the presentation of diplomas, and to a standing ovation, WHHS Principal Nathan Sullivan handed Redix's diploma to his mother.
White Hall School District Board President Raymond Jones and teacher Bradley Boast, along with a few others, handed the diplomas to students.
The high school band played the school's alma mater.
In her remarks as part of Friday evening's welcome, White Hall High School senior and honor student, Reese Owens, said, "Class of 2023, let's graduate."
An overflow crowd at Bulldog Stadium witnessed White Hall High School's commencement Friday night. (Special to The Commercial/Deborah Horn)
Honor graduates stand to receive their diplomas. (Special to The Commercial/Deborah Horn)
A young lady dances in excitement over receiving her diploma. (Special to The Commercial/Deborah Horn)
A young man stands tall once he is awarded his diploma. (Special to The Commercial/Deborah Horn)
From left, salutatorian Manas Patel, valedictorian Jacob Pham and salutatorian Parker Wiley take the podium for their speeches. (Special to The Commercial/Deborah Horn)
Approximately 225 students made up White Hall's Class of 2023. (Special to The Commercial/Deborah Horn)
White Hall High School Principal Nathan Sullivan congratulates an honor graduate. (Special to The Commercial/Deborah Horn)