Tharptown seniors prepare to graduate

By Staff
Melissa Cason
THARPTOWN-The students at Tharptown High School have experienced many firsts since fall 2006.
From their first SADD induction and the first football homecoming queen to the first junior/senior prom, the Class of 2009 has seen numerous firsts at Tharptown.
This month, they will have their final first as they prepare for the school's first-ever graduation ceremony.
The senior class received their graduation caps and gowns in preparation for the event.
"We are pleased to be having the very first graduation here at Tharptown," Principal Darit Riddle said. "It's the first of many yet to come."
The graduation ceremony will be held on May 22. On that day, 30 students will receive their diploma with the Tharptown Wildcat seal. The guest speaker will be Sen. Roger Bedford.
The majority of the students plan to attend college somewhere next year,
"We feel our students are very prepared for the next step," Riddle said. "Our goal is to give them best start possible, and we feel we have done that."
Next year's senior class will have 32 students without any transfers from Mt. Hope. As Tharptown High School gains more years under its belt, the student population is expected to grow.
"Not only can we expect some students from Mt. Hope, we are expecting to gain students from East Franklin as their high school choice."
Before Tharptown became a high school, East Franklin had to choose from Phil Campbell or Russellville. Now, they have another choice after their freshman year.