Marlin community celebrates graduates

The rescheduling of the Class of 2023 graduation ceremony was quite a shock for the students, their families, and the community last week.  After an audit revealed 21 of 38 seniors were not eligible to walk the stage to receive a diploma, Marlin ISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson held a mandatory open meeting for the seniors and their parents to explain factors influencing the decision. 

A group of concerned community members hurriedly met to organize a 2023 graduation celebration at the Marlin Missionary First Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Vincent Hartsfield. The sanctuary was at full capacity with parents, families, and friends supporting the recognition of the class and their achievements. All the class of 2023 were not in attendance.

 Speaker Minister Slugger spoke to the students from a Biblical standpoint. He reminded the students that with every goal they may have, there will be a Goliath and the greater the problem, the greater the purpose. Speaking from a personal perspective, Pastor Cliff Jones encouraged the students to persevere and not allow bad decisions to stop them from following their passion. 

Senior Jaasiah Roddy-Robinson closed the celebration with a special thank you from the graduating seniors. The class officers are President - Praiyer Jones, VP - Ashanti McCraw, Secretary - Alondra Alvardo, Treasurer - Ronnyesha Smith and Historian - Ja’Naysia Childers. Closing prayer was offered by Salvador Guerrero. 

Following the recessional, students shared moments of pride and joyfulness with their families. Symbolizing the gesture for starting a new chapter in life, the traditional tossing of the caps was shared by classmates.