Arkadelphia High School will graduate approximately 118 seniors on Saturday, May 18th at the Duke Wells Gymnasium on the campus of Henderson State University, according to Principal Callie Hunley. The ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m.
The Summa Cum Laude speech will be given by Catherine Ann Turner. Ms. Turner is the daughter of Dan and Cindy Turner. She is a four-year member of the Arkadelphia High School Cheer Team and served as the 2023-24 Cheer Captain. Catherine is also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, FCA, the Beta Club, and the National Honor Society. Ms. Turner is a four-year Badger Scholar.
The seniors chose Steve Patterson, English Teacher, to deliver the faculty challenge, which will be responded to by the 2023-24 Student Council President, Emilee Dionne Young.
Parents of those who achieve Summa cum laude graduates(GPA of 4.001 or better and a composite ACT score of 21 or better with no sub-scores lower than 19), Magna cum laude (GPA of 3.750 to 4.000 and a composite ACT score of 20 or better with no sub score lower than 19), Cum laude (GPA of 3.500 to 3.749 and a composite ACT score of 19 or better with no sub score lower than 19), and/or Advanced Diploma status will present medallions to their children who have earned these distinctions.
Senior class officers will direct the welcome, the Pledge of Allegiance, the introductions of Turner and Patterson, and the closing. Officers include Evan Martavion Bailey, Senior Class Treasurer; De’Angelo Rakeem Buckley, Senior Class Vice President; Tanner Aaron Cotton, Senior Class Secretary; Mychia Ja’Netta Leatherwood, Senior Class Report; and Nicholas Cade Williams, Senior Class President. Kourtni Renee Foster will lead the Alma Mater.
Commencement will be opened by the AHS JROTC Color Guard. The AHS Band, under the direction of Brandon Hanlon, will play the processional and the alma mater. Diplomas will be awarded by Mrs. Nikki Thomas, Superintendent of the Arkadelphia Public School District, and Ms. Callie Hunley, Principal of AHS. Assisting with the diplomas will be Mr. Trent Smith, AHS Assistant Principal, and Mr. Garrett Garner, Dean of Students.
Escorts for the Class of 2024 will be juniors who have earned the top grade points and include the following: Millie Babb, Allison Bell, Kelsey Boyles, Jacie Bright, Jared Campbell, Madeline Coston, Chloe Dunkelgod, Julia Greenwich, Seth Matocha, Gwendolyn Person, Olivia Robbins, Jancey Thomas, and Brayden Wagner.
If you are unable to make it in person to the 2024 Graduation Ceremony Saturday at 10:00a.m., you can watch it live on the Badger Mascot Media app or at