For the first time since 2004, Pea Ridge High School graduation will be held in Pea Ridge.
As the number of students increased, it became more difficult to hold graduation in facilities in town, according to school officials.
Pea Ridge High School Graduation
2 p.m. Saturday, May 16
Blackhawk Stadium
RTV class live streaming: http://pearidgehs.w… click on the RTV bubble.
Other festivities:
Scholarship Night — 6 p.m. Thursday, May 14, High School Cafeteria
Baccalaureate — 6 p.m. Friday, May 15, Blackhawk Gym, High School
Graduation — 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Blackhawk Stadium (football field)
In case of inclement weather, graduation time will be moved to 6 p.m. May 16. If the weather does not permit this time, consult the school’s webpage for updates.
Graduation of PRHS
1967 -old gym
1987 - PRHS gym
1994 - gym
1999 - football field
2000 - 48 seniors, PRHS football field, last class from old high school
2001 - 61 seniors, PRHS football, moved to gym because of rain
2002 - 56 graduates, moved to gym because of rain
2003 - 57 graduates, football field
2004 - 76 graduates, PRHS gym
2005 - in Rogers event center
2006 - 2014 - Barnhill, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
2015 - Blackhawk Stadium, Pea Ridge
In 2005, graduation was held in an event center in Rogers. In 2006, it moved to Barnhill Center, University of Arkansas. That cost the school district $2,000 then and most recently $4,500.
"We're excited. We're extremely excited," Rick Neal, school superintendent, said. The senior class is buying or renting chairs for the graduates, he said, but otherwise, there is no cost to the school district.
"We've come across a good plan for the event to happen in a timely manner. If it rains, we have a back up plan. We're excited for our families and our community. It's going to be live streamed, too," Neal said.
Baccalaureate will be held in the gym, but will be more comfortable. The gym has air conditioning and will have a new sound system.
PRHS alumni expressed apprecation for the graduation returning to Pea Ridge.
Jerry Nichols, with the Pea Ridge Historical Society, graduated from PRHS in 1956. He said prior to the mid-1950s, graduation was held in an auditorium in the old high school, but the building was remodeled to add classrooms and there was no longer an auditorium. He said there was a gym near where the Heritage Building sits that was once used for graduation.
Deborah Musteen Phillips, a 1967 graduate, said she graduated in the old original gym which has since been torn down. "Love that Pea Ridge will graduate in the place where all the memories are made," she wrote on Facebook.
Sherry L. Burnett wrote: "Love it, that this year's graduation will be in Pea Ridge! I was dreading going to Fayetteville! This makes it more meaningful for the kids, and family, too. Thank you, PRHS!"
Community on 05/06/2015