Central Graduates 305

Central High School’s 107th graduating class was honored May 21 during Graduation ceremonies at the University Center at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.

A total of 297 seniors crossed the stage to received their diplomas as more than 4,000 family and friends watched. Eight other seniors earned their diplomas but were not able to attend. They will receive them later.

The large assembly, most of whom had driven the 40 miles from Central, were treated to entertainment from the Central High Band, directed by Matthew Tuk, and Central High Concert Choir, directed by Mary Ann Russell.

Four main speakers addressed the assembly:

•Supt. Jason Fountain

•Central High principal Brandon LaGroue

•Valedictorian Luke Miles

•Salutatorian Connor DeLaune

The University Center accommodated family and friends in stadium  seats, which were elevated in a circle around the entire arena. Faculty members, dressed in academic robes denoting their field of study, entered and stood by their seats on the floor of the arena. They were followed by members of the Class of 2019. The band and concert choir were also seated on the floor of the arena. Administrators and students with a role in the program were seated on the stage. 

The Central High Band played Pomp and Circumstance as the faculty and graduating seniors filed into the arena.

The Central High School Army JROTC Color Guard led by Sgt. First Class Tim Dubois (retired), presented the colors with the audience still standing.

Class secretary Victor Lopez and Student Council Leadership Board member Mary Pollard led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Concert Choir sang the National Anthem.

Student Council vice president Camille Provost then gave the Invocation.

Student Council president Harland Jerro, who was recently appointed to the Air Force Academy, served as master of ceremonies and welcomed everyone to the event.

Student of the Year Marissa Huber introduced special guests.

Central High principal Brandon LaGroue, who was completing his first year as principal, addressed the audience. See highlights of his speech on Page 2 and use the QR code to watch it on your smartphone.

Assistant principal Lynn Younger recognized outstanding students.

Then Connor DeLaune, the salutatorian, addressed the assembly. 

Dr. Jason Fountain, superintendent of the Central Community School Board, gave the keynote address of the evening.

The Central High Concert Choir sang Bridge Over Troubled Waters.

Student Council treasurer Drew Lasseigne and public relations/reporter Kenneth Braxston Lee presented a gift to the school on behalf of the Class of 2019. This year’s gift was a bench.

The valedictorian, Joshua Luke Miles, then addressed his fellow seniors and the assembly.

The Central High administration presented diplomas to the graduates. Associate principal Nathan Corley read the names of the graduates, and principal Brandon LaGroue presented each diploma.

Graduating seniors who have enlisted in United States armed forces were recognized by a representative of their branch of service. Many received large scholarships from the military.

Student Council Leadership Board member Natalie Hollis presided over the moving of the tassels.

Harlan Jerro and Camille Provost represented the Class of 2019 in the symbolic Passing of the Torch ceremony. Class of 2020 president and vice president Andrew Medine and Miguel Castro III received the torch on behalf of their class.

The Benediction was led by Donald Max Bryant and the Cap Celebration by Autumn London.

The Central High Concert Choir sang the Alma Mater, and the Central High Concert Band played Fanfare and Recessional as the faculty and graduates filed out of the arena.

The event was broadcast in its entirety by the Central City News. Video and reporting by editor Woody Jenkins. Photography by Jolice Provost. Executive producers Jolice Provost and Kim Powers.