New Madrid County Central Graduation

Family and friends filled the New Madrid County Central High School gymnasium on May 14 for the commencement exercises for the 98 members of the Class of 2024. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Leading the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2024 are valedictorian Gary Lee Kenedy and salutatorian Avery Madison Towery. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

A graduate uses one of the mirrored columns in the school cafeteria for one last check prior to the graduation ceremony at New Madrid County Central High School on May 14.. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

A member of the New Madrid County Central High School graduating classes secures the tassel on his cap prior to the graduation ceremony on May 14. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

High school principal Justin Polley autograph a stuffed animal for a member of the New Madrid County Central HIgh School Class of 2024. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Members of the Class of 2024 react as their baby pictures and senior pictures are flashed on the large screens in the gymnasium prior to their graduation ceremony. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Students pose for one last photo prior to entering the gymnasium at New Madrid County Central High School for their graduation ceremony. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Members of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2024 file into the gymnasium at the start of the graduation ceremony May 14. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Members of the Singing Eagles perform "Sign of the Times" during the New Madrid County Central HIgh School graduation ceremony. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

New Madrid County Central High School band director Ethan Flood leds the high school band in the processional "Pomp and Circumstance" during the schools 2024 graduation ceremony. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Shawna Robinson, president of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2024, welcomes families and friends to the 44th annual commencment program. Standing next to Robinson is Makayla Birdwell, class treasurer, who gave the invocation. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

New Madrid County Central High School science instructor Renae Eddy was chosen by the graduates to be the speaker at their commencement. Eddy urged the graduates to make good choices as they go forward in their lives. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

New Madrid County Central High School principal Justin Poley speaks to graduates and their guests. Seated from left are: school board members Cathy Daniels, Jenny Cope and Demetrius Moore; superintedent Dr. Sam Duncan, School board member Aaron Griffin; guest speaker Renae Eddy; and school board member Kay Rebstock. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Kayden Minner, class vice president, introduces Renae Eddy, who was chosen by the graduates to speak at their commencment ceremony., (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

NMCC salutatorian Avery Towery addresses the graduates at the school's 44th annual commencement. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

NMCC valedictorian Lee Kenedy speaks to his fellow graduates and their families during the graduation of the Class of 2024. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Graduates listen to the speakers at the New Madrid County Central High School's 46th annual commencement ceremony on May 14. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Graduates listen to the speakers at the New Madrid County Central High School's 46th annual commencement ceremony on May 14. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

A future graduate tries on a cap belonging to one of the members of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2024. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Graduates listen to the speakers at the New Madrid County Central High School's 46th annual commencement ceremony on May 14. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

A graduate moves her tassel from right to left to signify her graduation as she prepares to accept her diplomas at the 44th annual commencement ceremony at New Madrid County Ceentral High School. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Graduates check out their diplomas after their presentation at the New Madrid County Central High School commencement ceremony on May 14. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Katherine Taylor, class secretary, gives the benediction at the New Madrid County Central High School graduation on May 14. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

The New Madrid County Central High School graduates send their hats flying in celebration of the conclusion of their graduation ceremony on May 14. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

There were plenty of hugs and congratulations for members of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2024 following their graduation ceremony on May 14. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

A graduate poses for pictures following the commencement ceremony on May 14 at New Madrid County Central High School. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)