NMCC Class of 2023 graduation

New Madrid County Central High School band director Ethan Flood directs the band as they perform "Pomp and Circumstance" as the Class of 2023 enters the gymnasium.

Members of the Class of 2023 at New Madrid County Central check out their diplomas after receiving them during the May 16 graduation ceremony.

Audience members check out the program prior to the start of the New Madrid County Central High School graduation ceremony on May 16.

Prior to the start of the commencement ceremony, members of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2023 check out each other's cords. The cords denote membership in organizations and classroom achievements.

There were plenty of hugs for the graduates as the commencement ceremony came to an end for the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2023.

Members of the Class of 2023 at New Madrid County Central listen to the speakers during their commencement ceremony on May 16.

Members of the Class of 2023 at New Madrid County Central celebrate the end of their high school years by tossing their hats into the air as the commencement ceremony concluded on May 16.

Members of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2023 share a hug at the conclusion of their commencement ceremony on May 16.

A member of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2023 looks up at family members in attendance at the May 16 commencement ceremony.

Class of 2023 class secretary Macy McCanless prepares to give the benediction as the New Madrid County Central High School's 43rd annual commencement ceremony comes to an end.

New Madrid County Central High School principal Justin Poley speaks to the graduates, their friends and family members who filled the New Madrid County Central High School gym on May 16 for the 43rd annual commencement ceremony. Seated from left are: Kay Rebstock, R-1 school board member; Ryan Eddy, board member; Paige Kimball, guest speaker; Dr. Sam Duncan, superintendent; Demetrius Moore, board member; and Jeff Polk, board member.

It was standing room only for the New Madrid County Central High School's Class of 2023 graduation on May 16 in the school gymnasium.

Paige Kimball, a teacher at New Madrid County Central High School, was chosen by the Class of 2023 as the guest speaker for their commencement ceremony on May 16.

The late Gavin Long who was a member of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2023 was remembered during their graduation ceremony on May 16.

Graduating members of the Singing Eagles joined the underclassmen in performing "Rivers and Roads" during the New Madrid County Central High School commencement ceremony on May 16.

New Madrid County Central High School graduate Ali Riley and her family pose for a photo following her graduation on May 16.

A member of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2023 listens to a speaker at the May 16 commencement ceremony.

Stone Pixley, class treasurer, gave the invocation at the May 16 New Madrid County Central High School graduation ceremony. Pictured in the background are school board members Jeff Polk and Jenny Cope.

Leading the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2023 are, from left: William Roberts, salutatorian; Genevieve Hunter, valedictorian; and Sawyer McElveen, salutatorian.

Members of the Class of 2023 at New Madrid County Central prepare to walk into their graduation ceremony on May 16 as family and friends watch.

Salutatorian William Roberts smiles as he is introduced by New Madrid County Central High School principal Justin Poley during the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2023 on May 16.