The first of many events that will honor the graduating class of 2023 was held last night.
Students and their families were treated to a nice meal, seniors received 10 raffle tickets and could select which door prize they wanted to compete for, and they heard from two guest speakers before the night ended. A photo booth and candy bar were also available for the group.
Amy Froman and Tracy Wilson organized and emceed the event at the National Guard Armory. Most students left the dinner with a prize, ranging from a 43 inch TV to a large cooler to a Yeti cup. All items were donated or purchased with funds donated by the many sponsors for the senior dinner.
Sgt. Matthew Bidwell, a recruiter for the National Guard and Laman Stark, a 1975 CCHS alum and voice of the Panthers, gave brief speeches.
“From here on out you get to choose the path you take … you and only you will decide how far you go,” Bidwell told the group. He told the seniors to keep moving and let their momentum propel them forward to a promising future.
Stark encouraged the seniors to take risks, meet new people, look forward to the future but always enjoy and keep in touch with their high school friends. “Make yourself a top priority. You control your own destiny,” he said.