Local high school graduations are underway with several planned for Friday

SIKESTON — High school seniors are saying goodbye to high school this month and moving on to the next chapter in their lives as graduation ceremonies are being held all across the area.

In a change from the past, Sikeston High School will graduate on a Sunday this year with the ceremony set for 2 p.m. on May 20 at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium. The last day of school for other students will be May 24 when they will go a half-a-day.

Kelly High School will also graduate May 20 at 2 p.m. with a ceremony to be held in the high school gym. Like Sikeston, the last day of school for the district will be May 24 with a half-day scheduled.

Alexis Phillips and Mary Claire Halterman check out their valedictorian medals prior to the start of the New Madrid County Central High School graduation on Tuesday, May 8, 2018.Jill Bock/Standard Democrat

Alexis Phillips and Mary Claire Halterman check out their valedictorian medals prior to the start of the New Madrid County Central High School graduation on Tuesday, May 8, 2018.Jill Bock/Standard Democrat

While the Sikeston and Kelly graduation is still a week away, several graduations will be held tonight and this weekend.

One of those is Charleston, as seniors will graduate today at 7 p.m. in the high school gym. The day of school for the remaining students will be May 30 when school will let out at noon.

Richland seniors will also graduate at 7 p.m. today in the high school gym. The last day of school for other students will be May 16 when school releases at noon.

The New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2018 celebrate the conclusion of the graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 8, by tossing their hats into the air.Jill Bock/Standard Democrat

The New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2018 celebrate the conclusion of the graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 8, by tossing their hats into the air.Jill Bock/Standard Democrat

Dexter will also graduate tonight with the ceremony beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Bearcat Event Center. The last day of school for the rest of the district is May 16 with a half day planned.

Bloomfield graduation will be held Saturday at 4 p.m. in the high school gym. The last day of school for the rest of the students will be May 24 when the district will release at noon.

Oran seniors will graduate Sunday at a ceremony in the high school gym beginning at 2 p.m. The last day of school for other students is May 16 with a half day scheduled.

Mason Burton, one of the NMCC Class of 2018 valedictorians, wipes a tear away as he addresses his classmates, family and friends during the May 8, 2018, graduation ceremony at New Madrid County Central High School.

Mason Burton, one of the NMCC Class of 2018 valedictorians, wipes a tear away as he addresses his classmates, family and friends during the May 8, 2018, graduation ceremony at New Madrid County Central High School.

Both East Prairie and Scott County Central seniors graduated May 4 and today is the last day of school for both, as each will dismiss at noon.

New Madrid County Central held graduation Tuesday night and the last day of school for the district will be May 18 with dismissal time set for noon.

Portageville held their graduation Thursday night at Vic Reaves Athletic Field and Thursday also marked the last day of school for the district.

Nine members of the Class of 2018 at New Madrid County Central High School earned a 4.0. They are, front row from left: Alexis Phillips, Riley Fowler, Mary Claire Halterman, Selby Smith; second row, Elaine Wescoat, Mason Burton; Brooke Wilson, Bayleigh Wilson and Shelbie Karafa.Jill Bock/Standard Democrat

Nine members of the Class of 2018 at New Madrid County Central High School earned a 4.0. They are, front row from left: Alexis Phillips, Riley Fowler, Mary Claire Halterman, Selby Smith; second row, Elaine Wescoat, Mason Burton; Brooke Wilson, Bayleigh Wilson and Shelbie Karafa.Jill Bock/Standard Democrat