Red Oak, Essex, Stanton hosting graduation

Dozens of local students will be donning caps and gowns this weekend as they participate in graduation ceremonies in Red Oak, Stanton and Essex.

Red Oak’s ceremony starts at 2 p.m. Sunday in the high school gymnasium and an estimated 88 students will be receiving their degrees.

Students selected Inman Elementary Principal Gayle Allensworth as the parent’s speaker, but the identities of the valedictorian and salutatorian speaker won’t be determined until after final grades are tabulated Tuesday.

In addition to the graduation ceremony Sunday, the Montgomery County Ministerial Fellowship is hosting a baccalaureate service Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m.

Seven local churches are involved in the event, which will include a “Challenge to the Graduates,” by vocal instructor Tim Marsden, a “Reflection from the Graduates,” by Brad Black and Mitch Hilder and a message presented by Rev. Mike Harvey. The Exit Worship Team will be providing music.

The public is invited to attend the hour-long event at the Red Oak High School Auditorium. 

Stanton school officials will be presenting diplomas to 21 seniors during ceremonies Saturday starting at 7:30 p.m.

The undetermined valedictorian and salutatorian will be delivering the keynote addresses.

Nineteen students are receiving diplomas at Essex ceremony Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Again, the valedictorian and salutatorian will be speaking at this event.