MARION -- There was much to cheer about at last Thursday's 135th commencement ceremony for Marion High School graduating seniors. Close to 5,000 parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family members and friends jammed Rent One Park to witness 200-plus graduates collect their diplomas after four years of hard work and perseverance.
It was the first major milestone for many of these teens who will now either move on to college, the workforce, or the military.
Members of the National Honor Society were recognized and lauded on this evening as were the Top 10 students academically. Delivering speeches on behalf of the Class of 2019 were seniors Ann Cuartas and Claire Treece.
The choir performed "Thankful" and "Youll Never Walk Alone," while the band performed "The Star Spangled Banner" and the processional.
But perhaps the most poignant moment of the ceremony was when Vice Principal Nate Addison told the story of Jerrod Stroud. Addison explained that Stroud had dropped out of school, taken a job at Continental Tire in Mount Vernon this past January, and then re-enrolled at MHS to pursue and eventually obtain his diploma. Amazingly, he accomplished that feat while working a midnight shift.
"He'd leave his job in Mount Vernon at 7:15 and make it here to the high school by 8," Addison said. "Jerrod ended up not only passing all of his classes, but making A's, B's and one C. The young man showed a ton of maturity and kept a positive attitude throughout. We are very proud of him."
Addison said administrators, guidance counselors and instructors were glad to lend a helping hand to the senior student where they could.
"He did all the work. We just encouraged him along the way. All the kudos go to Jerrod for getting the job done."
Addison added that the future is bright for Stroud.
"I think he has plans to become a corrections officer. I'm sure whatever path he choose he will succeed because of a strong work ethic."
Stroud said he dropped out of school late in 2018 to accept a job a friend had secured for him, loading tires in a trailer.
"I think I started in late January and then decided I wanted to go back to school, but keep my job," he said. "I've got bills to pay -- car payment, car insurance, phone. I needed the money. And with my family pushing me and everyone at Marion Unit 2 pushing me, I was able to make it. I can't thank them enough for that."
Stroud said he does indeed want to pursue a career in corrections and is presently awaiting word from the state about training to become an officer.
"Going to work the midnight shift and then right to the classroom was tiring, but well worth it in the end," he said.
