One of largest classes at school

New opportunities await the seniors who graduated from Open Door School Thursday evening inside the school’s gymnasium

“This is one of the largest classes we’ve had with seven graduates,” Kendra Heim, Open Door principal, said. “Some we’ve had since preschool, some since middle school and some even from high school. They’ve all come here at different stages, but all of them are special to the staff and we’ll miss them.”

Graduating were Alicia Adkins and Tyler Brogan, from the Fairland school district, Ashley Artis, of the Ironton district, Kyle Bolen and Trevor Hall, from the Rock Hill district, and Justin Willis and Lauren Grace, of the South Point district.

Following the processional and presentation of colors, Hall led the Pledge of Allegiance and Open Door student Travis Easter conducted an invocation. Heim welcomed everyone to the ceremony before the school’s bell choir performed the song “Friends” and a slideshow of all the graduates growing up played on a screen to various songs.

“This is a very special class,” Heim said. “They’ve worked hard all year and we’re just really proud of all of them.”

Lawrence County Board of DD superintendent Paul Mollett and board president Doak Russell presented the graduates with diplomas with each school district’s superintendent draping a cord around each graduate’s shoulders in their respective school colors. Open Door teacher Mandy Kirkendall then led the turning of the tassels, making the graduation official.

“It’s always a special moment,” Mollett said about the Open Door School graduation. “We’re really proud of all their accomplishments.”