‘They’ve Become My Family’
MCHS Graduation Set for Saturday
by Rick Peck
rpeck@nwaonline.net
For Dr. Mark Stanton, his first graduating class at McDonald County High School will always hold a special meaning.
Stanton nears the end of his first year as principal at McDonald County High School. Stanton said a couple of the things he will remember most are the amount of support he received from the community and the senior class.
“It’s been a fantastic year,” said Stanton. “The support I have received has been incredible. From the faculty, to the school board, the students, parents and the community. The first thing I mention when I am asked about my first year is the support the folks in the county have given me.”
Stanton said the senior class has set the bar high for future classes at MCHS.
“There are a lot of sharp students in the class,” said Stanton. “There are students that will put McDonald County on the map. From West Point, to Middle Tennessee State, we want our kids to be able to compete all over the nation. It’s a very good senior class. We had an All-Area Academic student in the class and that’s a tremendous accomplishment.”
Stanton said one thing he will never forget is that he was given his first pair of overalls this year.
“They are a good, caring bunch of kids,” said Stanton. “They have become my family. They have probably taught me more than I have been able to teach them. The first graduating class will always be special.”
Superintendent Randall Smith said he has been fortunate to be associated with the class of 2008.
“Whether it’s here in the county or away at college, the seniors will represent McDonald County very well,” said Smith. “It’s been a pleasure working with this group of kids. From the Board of Education and myself, I wish the students well.”
Graduation services will be held Saturday, May 10, beginning at 6 p.m. with the baccalaureate ceremony. Dr. Stanton will be the speaker for baccalaureate.
Commencement ceremonies follow baccalaureate services at 7:30 p.m. Senior class president Heather Gardner will call present about 205 seniors to receive their diplomas. Guest speaker is outstanding alumnus LaDonna (Wilson) McClain.
McClain is a 1983 graduate of MCHS. She was a key member of the Lady Mustang basketball team that won two state championships.
After playing basketball four years at MSSC, McClain attended Austin Peay University where she earned her Masters and became the head coach of the women’s basketball team.
After six years at Austin Peay, McClain left for the University of Nevada in Las Vegas where she coached for two years before returning to Tennessee as a high school coach.
McClain came home to Missouri four years ago, the last three at Seneca. She recently was named to take over for former teammate Sue Buttram as head coach of the McDonald County Lady Mustangs.
Both commencement and baccalaureate ceremonies are scheduled to be held at Mustang Stadium. If inclement weather is present, the ceremonies will be moved to the big gym inside McDonald County High School. Seniors will be given about 10 tickets each for admission if the ceremonies are held inside.
