By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It was a memorable graduation ceremony in every way.
Henry County High School Senior Roger Varneke is leaving early next week for the Army and with everything else that the Class of 2020 has missed out on this year, school officials were determined that he would not miss out on a proper graduation ceremony.
While the rest of the Class of 2020 graduates next week, administrators began preparing a special graduation ceremony just for Varneke.
The ceremony was held Friday afternoon with all the ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ that is afforded all graduates. And that statement should be taken literally since Varneke walked into the ceremony while ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ played.
Varneke’s graduation ceremony was held outdoors at the entrance of the high school. High School Principal Dr. Michele Webb spoke at the ceremony, which was attended by County Director of Schools Dr. Leah Watkins, Assistant Principal Dr. Kelly Paschall, faculty members and Varneke’s family. He is the son of Philip and Donna Varneke.
The high school’s Alma Mater was played and Varneke even sang along. And–who could blame him?–Varneke threw his cap in the air at the close of the ceremony.
The rest of the Class of 2020 will be graduated at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Patriot Stadium.
Photo: Roger Varneke, right, waits to be graduated as Principal Dr. Michele Webb speaks at his graduation ceremony. At left of podium is Director of Schools Dr. Leah Watkins and at right is Assistant Principal Dr. Kelly Paschall. (David Webb photo).