The 100^th Annual Commencement in the history of Broken Arrow High School proved to be an exceptional graduation night for the BAHS Class of 2008 at the Mabee Center at Oral Roberts University.

Nearly 1,000 seniors walked across the stage of the Mabee Center to receive their diploma from Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jim Sisney and members of the Broken Arrow Board of Education as a packed house of over 10,000 watched and roared its approval.

Former BAPS Superintendent Dr. Clarence Oliver, Jr. and former BAHS principals, Joe Robinson, Max Smith, and Dr. Kyle Wood also handed out diplomas as part of the special centennial recognition for the 100^th graduating class of BAHS.

Dr. Oliver spoke to the Class of 2008 about the school’s first graduating class in 1908 which featured three graduates.  He delivered an exquisite history lesson on Broken Arrow High School, the community of Broken Arrow, and the many challenges overcome by Broken Arrow Public Schools that have allowed the district to go from three to 1000 graduates for its high school over the course of 100 years.  He urged the seniors to always hold a special place in their heart for Broken Arrow no matter where their future leads them.

“The history of this high school covers 100 years.  Reflecting on the century-long history makes me recognize that Broken Arrow is a very special place.  I have been blessed to be a part of this community all these years; there is no other community like it.  I do hope that you will retain a similar love for Broken Arrow.”

Principal Rob Armstrong pointed out to the Class of 2008 that while much has changed in 100 years, some things have not.

“As I reflect back on this year I wonder what the first three graduates of the class of 1908 thought about during their commencement. Would it have been ‘what am I going to be doing next year?’ Would they have been looking back over their experiences as a student in Broken Arrow as you’ve been doing recently? ‘What will people remember me about?’ Would the senior class of 1908 be thinking about the world they are entering? What were the ideals that they were thinking about in 1908? We are here tonight because of their contributions and dreams – the legacies left by those first graduates of 1908 and the years following to look back and wish you the best in your future. For you seniors, Class of 2008, what is your future going to be like? What will the senior class in 2108 be thinking about? And what kind of world will they be living in? Will they talk about the part you played in contributing to their world? I think they will. Your accomplishments are far more than what is reflected on your transcript and in the trophies you’ve received. You’ve contributed your time, money and in a sense, a part of you to make a community and a world a better place now and in the future…Class of 2008 continue to do all the good you can. This is what makes you special and I applaud your efforts.”

Dr. Sisney also praised the Class of 2008 for its many accomplishments including national championships in Jazz Choir and Cheerleading, state championships and regional championships and a top ten national finish for the Pride of Broken Arrow, State Academic Championship in Girls’ Tennis, Dual Wrestling State Championship, State Jazz Ensemble Band Championship,  Individual State Golf Championship for Crystal Reeves, Academic All State recognition for Aaron Dowler, 62 State Academic Scholars, and five National Merit Finalists.

Senior Class President Aaron Dowler predicted future successes, telling his classmates, “The only one who can stop you is you.”

Student Council President Nicole Egli agreed, telling the graduates “The world is waiting.  The world is watching.  Our time is now.”

Representative of the Class of Distinction (top 3% graduates) Alex Paulison brilliantly weaved memories of 1990’s pop culture and television shows into his speech as he urged the Class of 2008 to continue to do things the right way as adults as they have as BAHS students.

“I’m proud and very sad to say that most of what I learned growing up came from this fictional character (Mr. George Feeney, principal on the 90’s Disney sitcom ‘Boy Meets World’).  He helped me through many teenage problems. Problems I had yet to face as a nine-year-old, but nevertheless this man has helped me through my life.  In a conversation with his students Feeney offers up this advice: Believe in yourself, dream, try, do good. A student (Topenga) quickly corrects and says don’t you mean ‘do well’? Feeney says ‘No, I mean do good.’ And that’s the difference seniors – doing well is a measure of success, but doing good is a measure of character. In our futures you will be pressed to succeed, but I encourage you to strive for goodness.”

Following the traditional “Ringing of the Bell” by Senior Class representatives Thomas Shannon and Lauren Conner, Mr. Armstrong presented the class of 2008 for commencement, pointing out that these seniors have earned over $4-million worth of college scholarships.

After Class President Aaron Dowler led the seniors in the “Turning of the Tassels,” confetti including black and gold balloons fell from the rafters of the Mabee Center, signifying the celebration of the graduation of the BAHS Class of 2008.  The Pride of Broken Arrow then played “Tiger Pep” as the new graduates marched out of the arena to thunderous applause.