FAYETTEVILLE — The Class of 2013 at Fayetteville High School celebrated the end of the school year over scrambled eggs and bacon, and tonight, the same students will receive their diplomas, flip the tassels and begin to make their way in the world.
At A Glance
Fayetteville Commencement
Graduation: 7 p.m. today.
Location: Bud Walton Arena at the University of Arkansas
Graduation speakers: Darsha Ann Dodge, Tyler James Dunn
Graduates: 548
Amount of scholarships received: $8.2 million
Senior Class Officers: Brandyn Michael Young, president; Will Price, vice president; Madison Mairee Watkins, secretary; David Brooks Ellis, treasurer.
Source: Staff Report
Most of the 548 graduates attended the annual Senior Breakfast on Wednesday morning at Mermaid’s Restaurant. There were hugs, laughs and even awards, among them the wittiest, the most artistic, the best smile, the worst driver, the most spirited and the worst case of senioritis.
Graduation means freedom for A.J. Davis, 18, who plans to attend NorthWest Arkansas Community College, he said. He's undecided about career plans.
Davis is graduating in the face of personal challenges as the only person in Arkansas diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Friedreich’s Ataxia, which attacks the the nervous system and motor skills.
Davis was undaunted by the assistance he required getting to the dais to help present the class award. He walks on his own without using a wheelchair.
“I feel like it would be quitting,” Davis said of using a wheelchair.
There is no current treatment for the progressive disease, which results in a loss of coordination and muscle strength, according to a website called Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance.
Soft-spoken and with a ready smile, Davis said he has always attended Fayetteville schools, starting at Asbell Elementary School. The disease has been with him since birth, but symptoms began in the sixth grade, he said.
His classmates cheered when he announced he was named one of the wittiest in the class.
“I tell jokes and like to do stand-up comedy in talent shows,” he said.
Grayce Randolph said Davis “is like my brother.” Not only do they share the same birthday, their parents, as close friends, went through pregnancies together.
“I think I’m older,” Randolph quipped. “He is one of the sweetest guys I know.”
Randolph, 18, plans to attend Centenary College to major in education. In five years she hopes to be teaching in Mexico.
Asked about future challenges, Randolph replied, “Not relying on your parents.”
Allison Laney, 18, who plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas to study occupational therapy, said her future challenge will be “paying for college.” She was also recognized as one of the seniors with the best smile.
“It’s the next step in life,” said Austin Berry, 18, of his graduation. He also plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas to major in physical therapy.
Reed Churchill, 17, said, “Hopefully I’ll be working to become a doctor in five years.”
Although the exact number of the Class of 2013 who are college-bound isn't immediately available, many will find assistance in the $8.2 million in scholarships awarded to class members earlier this week.
To Sebastian Thomas, 18, graduation is “moving on to bigger and better things.” Five years from now, he hopes to being doing artwork for Peter Jackson, noted New Zealand film director, producer and screenwriter, after he studies at the Kansas City Art Institute.
One answer was nearly in unison when students were asked where they hoped to be in five years: “Get a job and earn money.” Some have advanced degrees in mind, such as Josh Bird, 18, who said he hoped to be in the University of Arkansas Law School in five years.
“This is about growing up and moving on, to be more independent,” Bird said.