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AHS senior activities kick into high gear

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Albany News

Albany High School seniors will be very busy during the next two weeks, with several activities planned during the time leading up to graduation.

Pictures should have already been turned in to class parent Tisha Wilkins for the senior slide show, including one baby picture, one elementary or junior high photo, and one senior picture from each senior. 

“If for some reason they have not yet been turned in, they need to be turned in to me as soon as possible,” said Wilkins.

One baby picture per senior should also be delivered to The Albany News for the annual graduation section.

Thursday, May 9

The class casual picture will be taken at 8:50 a.m. on May 9, with seniors meeting in front of the high school.

Sunday, May 12

The future graduates will meet at the high school gym parking lot at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 12 to ride a bus to the Progressive Dinner. 

The Fiesta meal will begin with appetizers at Mark and Jennifer Everitt’s house.

The second stop will be for the main course at Chris and Mindy Ary’s home.

The third and final stop for the meal is planned to take place at Garry and Kimberly Edgar’s residence for dessert and opening of the time capsules.

The time capsules were made when the local seniors were in the fourth grade and have been sealed since that time.

“Hopefully, parents of students who transferred in have already contacted Melissa Fields to prepare a time capsule for their child,” said Wilkins. “If not, please contact Melissa ASAP.”

Although parents are welcome to come to all the stops on the Progressive Dinner, typically all of the parents try and come to the capsule openings, according to Wilkins.

Wilkins added that capsules will probably be opened around 7:30 p.m., but the actual time can vary.

Monday, May 13

All seniors and the six junior ushers need to return their Project Graduation contract forms to the school office by Monday, May 13 in order to attend the all-night party. The contracts are available from the high school office, and must be signed by both the student and their parent.

Tuesday, May 14

Pictures and bio information from each of the seniors needs to be turned in to The Albany News by Tuesday, May 14.

Thursday, May 16

Senior final exams will be given on May 16 and 17.

Friday, May 17

Seniors will finish taking their final exams.

Baccalaureate practice takes place in the AHS auditorium at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 17. 

Junior Ushers

Six high school juniors have been selected to serve as ushers and usherettes. 

Those selected are expected to serve at Baccalaureate and Graduation and are invited to Project Graduation.

Chosen as ushers this year are Brayden Sullivan, Blaine Kayga, and Jose Camacho. Usherettes are Julia Bowman, Taylor Scott, and Jaleigh Morales.

Graduation Week

On Sunday, May 19, the seniors are asked to gather at First Baptist Church by 1:45 p.m. for the traditional Bible presentation, scheduled to take place at 2:00 p.m.

At 5:45 p.m. that same day, the class officers will have their picture taken. Then at 6:00 p.m., prior to the Baccalaureate service, all seniors, wearing caps and gowns, will meet in the FCCLA room and will pose for the formal class picture in the gym. An assortment of other pictures including National Honor Society members, classmates since kindergarten, and classmates since first grade will also be taken at that time.

Baccalaureate is set for 7:00 p.m. in the AHS auditorium. 

Spencer Newsom, youth minister at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church, was selected to speak at the Baccalaureate service.

A reception arranged by the senior parents will follow in the high school cafeteria.

All seniors should plan to attend the senior breakfast served at 7:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church on Monday, May 20. 

After the breakfast, at about 8:00 a.m., the seniors and sponsors will meet at the high school to travel to Arlington and Six Flags over Texas for a senior day activity.

Graduation Day

At 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 24 graduation practice and pictures will be held in the Albany High School gymnasium. 

Students should bring their  caps, gowns, and tassels to the practice. Stoles will be passed out before the pictures.

Graduation will be Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at the high school gymnasium. Students should meet at the FCCLA room by 6:00 p.m. that evening, according to principal Edward Morales.

A reception honoring the graduates will be held at the Whitney Theatre following the ceremony.

The reception is organized by the senior parents. The junior ushers, usherettes, and their parents serve and clean up afterwards, according to Wilkins.

Project Graduation

Project Graduation kicks off with all 2019 graduates and the junior class ushers and usherettes checking in at The Feed Store between 10:15 and 10:30 p.m. on Friday, May 24. 

The senior class voted to stay in town for Project Graduation, and activities will take place at various Albany locations. 

“The participants will need to bring a swimsuit and a towel,” said Wilkins. “We’ll be giving away different door prizes throughout the night and finish up at the Feed Store at about 5:30 a.m.”

Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be available during the event.