This is the eighth and final entry in our Class of 2025 series.
It was the first time in recent memory that White Hall High School’s graduation ceremony was postponed due to possible severe weather, and it was Nathan Sullivan’s last one as principal.
The ceremony was initially scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday but was rescheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the high school’s Bulldog Stadium.
Approximately 209 students, including 22 honor students, graduated Saturday morning to a completely packed stadium.
“Allow me to share with you my heartfelt congratulations and great pride I have for each of you,” Sullivan said. “As your high school journey comes to a close, I want you to reflect on how far you have come … I encourage you to carry with you the values you have learned here at White Hall High School.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The morning’s “Welcome” speeches were given by seniors Mary Claire Colclasure and Chelsea Walker.
“It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for,” while Colclasure said, “This is not an ending but a beginning.”
Mary Beth Passmore, the White Hall School District’s Gifted & Talented supervisor, introduced the Honor Students.
The 2025 salutatorian was Yuki Lin, and Victoria Trujillo and Trinity Hagood were co-valedictorians.
Hagood encouraged class members to “write your story boldly.”
Dr. Raymond Jones, White Hall School Board president, handed out the diplomas, with Passmore assisting. The WHHS Band played the “WHHS Alma Mater.”
Sullivan is leaving the White Hall school system to assume the position of superintendent of the Hamburg School District.
Jennifer Menard, the district’s communication director, was named principal of WHHS during a special caledl meeting of the school board on Friday, April 18.
After the welcome at the ceremony’s start, Sullivan told the graduates, “Love you and gonna miss you. Now go out and do something great.”
And one last time, he added, “Go Dogs!”
