2008 Graduation Highlights – Owensboro
July 14, 2008 – 6:42 pm
The 2008 commencement ceremony at Good Shepherd Church was truly special evening.
Daviess County Judge Executive, Reid Haire quoted Robert Frost as he reminded students that the road less traveled meant all the difference in the world as they begin another chapter of their lives, but further reminded the graduates to have fun and pursue things in life that provide them with joy and happiness.
The following students were remembered, honored or recognized during this year’s ceremony:
- President’s Award: This award goes to the student who embodies the positive values upheld by our school. This year, this recognition was given to Jarrod Gatton.
- Perseverance Award:In every class, we have one student who seems to defy adversity and against all odds, makes it to graduation. This recognition was given to Anna Oller.
- Perfect Attendance:This recognition was given to: Naomi Baker, Denise Carera, Elijah Dickerson and Dottie Russell. These graduates exhibited great commitment and had perfect attendance throughout their entire program.
- Outstanding Graduates: Every year, our lead instructors review the grade point average, attendance, attitude and dedication of our graduates and recognize the who were outstanding in those areas. With so many worthy candidates, this year’s outstanding gradutes were: Larry Alexander, Naomi Baker, Denise Jernigan and Mary Oates.
- New Kentucky Colonel/Ms. Millie Atherton: Millie she was recognized during graduation with the presentation of a proclamation from Kentucky Governor, Steve Beshear, recognizing Millie as a new Kentucky Colonel. This was in addition to being honored as Daymar College’s oldest Graduate at 80 years of age.
- Robert Mattingly: A lone chair sat in memorial on stage to honor the memory of Robert Mattingly by his fellow classmates. His commencement seat was adorned with cap & gown, plaque and as the ceremony continued, white roses from students who crossed the stage to received their diploma. Robert was pursuing his degree in Medical Assisting before his life was taken in 2006.
Another special moment presented itself during this commencement ceremony. Nick Fry, an Internet Website Design graduate was presented his diploma by his sister Chanda Prater who is a Daymar College Associate and instructor.
Lead Instructor Tonya Robinson was also recognized by the graduating class as the recipient of the Susan B. Clark Instructor of the Year Award (as voted on by the graduating class).
This commencement ceremony was filled with excitement, laughter, tears and ovations. As you look back on this day, remember the pride you felt in achieving this goal and that your Daymar family is very proud of you and wish you continued success.
3 Responses to “2008 Graduation Highlights – Owensboro”
It is fast approaching December 9th. It was on this day in 2006 that I lost my little brother. I was very touched to have found your website and know my brother was not forgotten. He would be so proud. God Bless each and every one of you this Christmas season and always remember to let the ones you love know how much you love them.
Thank you,
Kerri McEntire
Robert’s sister
By Kerri McEntire on Dec 3, 2008
Another batch has passed. A new one will come and teachers are still there ready to take a new challenge. As we celebrate graduation, we should also take time to thank them for all their dedication.They are the new heroes of this generation.
By web design and seo on Aug 20, 2008
I met with Jo Mattingly today and gave her the items that made up the memorial display for her son. She was very thankful and touched that people had remembered him. She told me that Robert loved Daymar and that his life was changed here.
On Friday, she came to the church and gave me a letter addressed to the graduates. We read it to them before the ceremony and I would like to share it with you below.
Graduates of 2008,
I know there are a lot of times you wondered if tonight would ever get here. But it finally got here, so hold your head high and be proud. I know that your family is proud of each and every one of you. They should be.
I was invited to celebrate with you tonight, but I could not without crying. The empty chair is where my son should have been. God called my son, Robert, home on Dec. 9, 2006. That is a day I will never get out of my mind because when he left, so did my heart.
I do know that deep down in my innermost being that he is at peace and no longer endures seizures. He is watching each and every one of you tonight and is so very proud.
To bury your child is the most painful thing I have ever had to endure.
Robert’s most fulfilled and happiest times were spent at Daymar. He loved going to school.
I wish with all my heart that I could have seen him here tonight. God had plans for him, a job that only he could do. I have in a very sad way come to realize this. I do not understand it, but I have to accept it.
Always do your best at what you do. Love your fellow man and always put God first in your lives. Through God, you can do anything or be any person you choose to. Now go and enjoy this time. Please remember that Robert thought so much of Daymar, his teachers, but I think most of all, he enjoyed his fellow classmates.
Do not stand by my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle air and rain.
When you awake in the morning’s light,
I am the beautiful birds in flight.
I am the twinkling stars you see at night.
Do not stand by my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.
His memory is my keepsake in which I will never depart. He is in God’s keeping, but he never left my heart.
Again, thank you so much. You have made his family proud.
God bless you all.
Signed: Jo Mattingly, Kerri McEntire, and Mam-maw(Robert’s grandmother)
When we change one life, we touch others as well.
Thank you for being such a great group of people!
David M. Tucker
Student Services Coordinator
By David on Jul 15, 2008