Prescott eNews - Online Newspaper for Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Communities

Updated RSS Feeds
Subscribe to the entire Prescott eNews site, or specific content.

It's one of our best-kept secrets, but every week, we email the eNews Report, allowing you to catch up on some of the stories you might have missed in the previous week. So, register today! It's free!

Citizen Reporter

Prescott eNews loves Citizen Reporters! We crave stories about kids, teachers non-profits, extraordinary people and more! We'll need a decent-sized photo to go along with your story. Be sure to include contact information, too.

Just send an email to the This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more info, or call 602.325.3463.

Ready to upload your own stories? Log In now for special access.

Weather

Blind Brothers - the best window covering business in Prescott.

Lamerson's Jewelry - In Downtown Prescott

Communications Center Keeping People In Touch with People for over 30 years.

Get a free beverage at Porky's in Prescott.

Your Mini Ad Here $7

Prescott High School 2008 Graduation

Written by Helen Stephenson

Saturday, 24 May 2008

PHS Class of 2008 now moves on to (hopefully) college and "real life."

The 105^th Prescott High School Graduation Ceremony went off without a hitch Friday night, despite the inclement weather.

Prescott Unified School District Superintendent Kevin Kapp was extremely grateful to Amy VanWinkle, (a former Prescott High School choir and television instructor), and Debbie Marks both now with Tim’s Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. He also thanked the Humboldt Unified School District for their help in moving the event to what is now the largest venue in the area.

Students and family alike were grateful for the move as at times the sound of rain drumming on the roof could be heard. One perk of moving the event, (on top of the ability to actually stay dry and not have every student turn into a Smurf when their deep blue graduation gowns got wet and faded), was to have their names in lights. The Event Center took the time to type in each graduating students name above the arena and they flashed by in alphabetical order as students lined up to receive their diplomas.

The traditional program started with Pomp and Circumstance, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Presentation of colors and raising of the flag by the PHS’s Aerospace Science Leadership Academy. PHS principal Totsy McCraley spoke and several students gave short speeches. One of the highlights of the evening was the excellent PHS concert band playing “Fiesta.”

Kevin Kapp gave a short speech, as did PHS Governing Board President Dee Navarro. As a bonus PUSD Board of Education member Dr. Joan Fleming spoke briefly telling the students that she started the same year they were in Kindergarten, and felt she deserved a diploma also. She laughingly asked Principal McCraley if that could be arranged.

On a somber note the late Kendall Linne was awarded his diploma posthumous. He died on December 7^th2007.

In the end, it was all happiness and relief as caps were tossed in the air, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends gave hugs of congratulations and sometimes flowers. The hallways of the event center were packed with students, parents and well-wishers, reminding many former students of the passing periods at PHS, which are now, happily, a thing of the past for them.

Congratulations class of 2008!