HHS grads to hear living legend

HOPE – A teaching legend in the Hope Public Schools will deliver the commencement charge as graduation ceremonies for the Hope High School Class of 2017 highlights year-end honors.

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Ms. Cynthia Murphy, who has taught in the Hope Public Schools for 45 years, will deliver the address Friday night at Hempstead Hall.\r\n

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A graduate of the former Lincoln High School in Washington, Ar., Murphy received a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff in 1972. She took her master’s degree in reading from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia in 1977.\r\n

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She was recently featured by the Arkansas Department of Education as its representative teacher for the ADE Teach Again initiative in a series of online videos released by the agency in March. She is to be recognized by the Arkansas Board of Education in connection with that project on May 11.\r\n

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Commencement exercises for the 154 graduating seniors at HHS will begin at 6 p.m., May 12, at Hempstead Hall on the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana campus.\r\n

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Candidates for graduation are expected to arrive for line-up backstage in the auditorium at Hempstead Hall by 5:30 p.m., according to senior sponsor Terri Hoglund.\r\n

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Graduating seniors are to be dressed in caps and gowns, with cap tassels draped over the right temple until after receiving diplomas. Tassels are to be moved to the left side after returning to seating.\r\n

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Hoglund reminds students and parents that cell phones will not be allowed on stage, and no-one will be allowed on stage to take photographs during commencement ceremonies.\r\n

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Girls should wear black dress shoes, dress beneath the robe, or follow guidelines for boys. Tiny hoop or stud earrings, watch and rings may be worn by girls.\r\n

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Boys should wear black dress shoes with dark socks, dark trousers, and white dress shirt with dark colored conservative necktie.\r\n

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Robes should fit to hang 11 inches above floor level with shoes.\r\n

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Boys will remove caps during the National Anthem, but girls will remain covered.\r\n

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Concurrent credit program students in the graduating class will be recognized during the ceremonies, according to HHS Principal Bill Hoglund.\r\n

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Diplomas will be retained until after the ceremony, and will be available if all fines and other obligations are resolved prior to commencement.\r\n

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End of year honors will also be awarded on other HPS campuses this month.\r\n

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Kindergarten students will graduate to first grade in ceremonies at Clinton Primary School on May 22 at 5:30 and 6:45 p.m.\r\n

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Sixth grade students at Beryl Henry Elementary School will graduate to middle school May 25 in 9 a.m. ceremonies in the BHE cafeteria. End of year honors will also be awarded and honor roll and Strive for Five recognition announced.\r\n

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Yerger Middle School honors will be announced in an awards assembly May 24 at 9 a.m. for seventh grade and 10 a.m. for eighth grade.\r\n

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Hope Academy of Public Service students will also be recognized at a May 26 awards assembly at 11 a.m. on the HAPS campus.\r\n