The time has come! Ashe County High School Class of 2008 will celebrate graduation on Friday, May 30 with ceremonies in the high school gym beginning at 8 p.m.

Addressing the graduates this year will be North Carolina Representative Cullie Tarleton.

Representing Ashe and Watauga counties in the 93rd State House District in his first term, Tarleton is a retired broadcaster who lives in Blowing Rock with his wife, Sylvia. He served in the N.C. Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves from 1956 to 1964.

Graduation ceremonies will begin with faculty and senior processionals accompanied by the Ashe County High School Brass Ensemble. The National Anthem will be performed by the ACHS Chorus followed by a welcome from senior Justin Ford.

Senior Brittney Maine will recognize members of the Ashe County Board of Education, high school faculty and junior marshals, and senior David Grubb will introduce the speaker.

Following the graduation address from Rep. Tarleton, senior Nikishia Stansberry will explain the honor cords worn by the graduating class. Gold cords represent grade point average of 4.25 and higher; Silver cords represent grade point average 4 to 4.249; and Purple cords represent grade point average 3.75 to 3.999, and each with no semester grade lower than a C.

During recognition of honors and awards, North Carolina Scholars will be announced, and these are graduates who have a 3.5 GPA with no grade lower than a C having completed all course requirements. Each NC Scholar receives a special seal on their diploma.

The chorus will then perform “Good Riddance” by Green Day, and Principal Phil Howell will introduce the salutatorian and valedictorian for the Class of 2008.

Special addresses will be offered by Salutatorian Kelsy Combs and Valedictorian Keaton Mash, and then the long-awaited awarding of diplomas will commence.

Principal Howell will offer closing remarks, followed by senior David Grubb with the benediction and recessional from the ACHS Brass Ensemble.

Following graduation ceremonies at the high school, graduates are invited to attend the all-night Project Graduation at Mountain View Elementary School. This annual event offers a safe and fun place for graduates and their guests to celebrate with such activities as music, dancing, movies, games, special activities, scholarships and great prizes, and lots of food.