Tyler

By LAUREN GROVER
Staff Writer

Clad in cobalt blue robes, mortarboards and gold sashes, 315 John Tyler High School seniors let out a roar Saturday night as their graduation ceremony commenced at the Oil Palace arena.

"We're excited!" yelled Tiffany Rowland, 17, and Karen Silverio, 18, in unison as they jumped up and down, their tassels flailing.

Members of the Class of 2008 were known as jokesters who knew when to settle down and work, Miss Rowland said. Besides her good friends, she said she's even going to miss teachers.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm going to miss Ms. (Mary) Thurman," Miss Rowland smiled. "She always pushed me. I'm going to miss the teachers who tried to make us better."

Miss Rowland is headed to East Texas Baptist University for a teaching degree as Silverio goes to cosmetology school, they said. Their friend Diego Reyes, 18, said he's pursuing graphic design, one of the many talented art students from John Tyler.

"We have some excellent ones," said art teacher Marilyn Koler, who said graduating senior Allie Smith was the only student to medal at state for art this year. Miss Smith is studying creative writing and French among other disciplines at college, she said.

This graduating class was the first group to push John Tyler back onto the TAKS chart in 2007, said another teacher. He hopes they started a trend that continues at the school.

Graduates mingled with friends, enjoying the moment and anticipating their next step.

"I'm just ready to get on with my future," said Paul Thomas Jr., 18, who plans to study communications.

It wouldn't be graduation without style - female graduates donned all colors of stilettos for the big night. Some proved sheik but uncomfortable.

"My feet hurt," said Flor Hernandez, 17, resting on a table as the seniors were preparing to walk into the arena. High school went fast, but there's quite a bit ahead, she said.

"I'm going to work for awhile and save money so I can go to college," Hernandez said.

Of the 315 students, 21 graduated through the International Baccalaureate program, Ms. Koler said, an advanced level of curriculum that prepares them for college.

John Tyler's top honors went to valedictorian Jeffrey Scott Davis and salutatorian Angela Frost. Davis, a National merit Commended Scholar and IB graduate, plans to attend Texas A&M University and study chemistry. He was also senior class president and a member of the Who's Who Among American High School Scholars.

Frost, a leader in various school committees, plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin.

THE BEGINNING OF ANOTHER: Mekala Taylor (left) gets a hug from Jessica Shackelford backstage at the John Tyler High School graduation at the Texas Oil Palace on Saturday.
((Staff Photo By Herb Nygren Jr.))