Two hundred five graduates shook hands with school and district personnel as they walked across the Activity Center stage tonight to receive their diplomas.
Guests on the stage included State Rep. Heather Fiorentino, School Board member Kathleen Wolf, and Judith Kistler, Human Resources Director for the school district.
Principal Thomas Imerson announced that discussions about the possible locating of an International Baccalaureate program at Gulf High School are beginning. He said, “I am hopeful that by graduation next year I will be able to report that the IB program — which is recognized worldwide for its academic excellence — will be a reality at Gulf High School.”
At last year’s graduation Mr. Imerson announced that a new building would be erected on campus for use as a football locker room. The building is now nearing completion.
Mr. Imerson also paid tribute to Mrs. Haynes, who traditionally reads the names of the graduates. He announced that she will retire during the coming school year and that tonight would mark the thirteenth and last time she performs that duty.
Mrs. Haynes — then Patricia Courtade — joined the faculty of Gulf High School in 1984 as a classroom teacher.
Valedictorian Thanh Doan, salutatorian Michael Aday, and senior class president John Shaw spoke from the stage.
