BLACK ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Black Rock High School senior Rachael Weekley finished first in her class, but she might be better remembered in the community for being last.
Weekley and her 21 senior classmates graduated May 22, the 120th and final class to receive their diplomas as Black Rock Zebras. The school district, which is part of the Lawrence County School District, will cease to exist in a few weeks.
Black Rock and Walnut Ridge formed the school district in 2006 and operated separate campuses under one school board and administration.
Financial woes and declining student enrollment forced the closure of the school, which has been in operation for more than 100 years. The valedictorian delivered a powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking speech to the hundreds who gathered to pay their final respects to a dying school.
“I know our graduation is your graduation as well,” Weekley said in emotion-laced tones to the crowd of underclassmen who were in attendance. She later said to her own class, “Our time has run out . I love you all.”
Many women and girls who attended wore zebra print attire to honor the school’s famous mascot. Several could be heard chanting “Go Zebras” before the ceremony began, The Jonesboro Sun reported (https://is.gd/c8Xs1o).
Tears and sighs were interlaced with humorous stories and laughter throughout the ceremony. Black Rock Principal Lori McKenzie was about to bestow several awards to her own son, class salutatorian Caleb McKenzie, when she turned and had to walk away, the emotion too powerful to fight off. Another faculty member gave Caleb his award, and he later hugged his mother.
Before the ceremony began, the senior class huddled together in a hallway. Senior Tim Andrews has attended the school since first grade.
“I think it’s an honor to be the last class . But I hate it for all the underclassmen,” he said.
Another senior, Elijah Mondy, has also gone to Black Rock his entire school life. Two older sisters are Black Rock graduates and many of his mother’s relatives were Zebras, too, he said. The tight-knit atmosphere at the school is what he’ll miss the most, he said.
Senior Derrek Nunally said he feels “fortunate to be one of the last ones,” but he felt anguish for the younger students who won’t roam the halls of this school anymore.
“We’re all close here,” he said. “We are a tight unit.”
Nunally and Mondy have younger siblings who will attend Walnut Ridge starting next year, and Nunally’s mother will work there as a teacher’s aide, he said. Most students are expected to attend Walnut Ridge, but some have or will transfer to neighboring school districts such as Sloan-Hendrix.
Many who spoke thanked Lawrence County School District Superintendent Terry Belcher and the school board for keeping the school open for so long. Andrews and Nunally weeped while Weekley delivered her speech.
When her words were finished, the diplomas were doled out. Senior Robin Maxie received the final one that will ever be issued by the school. After the diplomas were handed out the crowd stood and sang the school’s alma mater.
Before Weekley finished, she imparted one last insight with those who attended.
“In school we learn, and then we are tested. In life we are tested, and then learn,” she said.
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Information from: The Jonesboro Sun, https://www.jonesborosun.com
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