Philip Barbour High School Holds Commencement Ceremony

Philip Barbour High School held a commencement ceremony for 2024 graduates on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the high school. Originally scheduled to be held at the county fairgrounds, the ceremony was moved indoors following the expectations of severe thunderstorms that evening.

Associate Principal Joe Bowen welcomed all and introduced those on the stage, including the Board of Education members and superintendent of the Barbour County Schools, Eddie Vincent. The guest speakers were Ian Tallman, Young Life Leader, and Principal Brandon Antion.

The Student Council President's address was given by Maureen Miller and was devoted to calling attention to the accomplishments of Philip Barbour and the involvement of the Class of 2024. Those include the national FBLA awards, the state and nation awards earned by the Vo-Tech students, the football team winning the first post season playoff game, the girls’ soccer going to their third state championship, volleyball winning two state titles, three girls basketball state tournament competitions, and competition in the state track meet. She addressed the bonding and support of our teams, both athletic and academic ones.

The 2024 class song was performed by Class Song leader Tara Rice accompanied by the Colt Choir director Lewis Hall.

Senior Class President Alyssa Moss talked about maturing in her four years at PB and introduced the guest speaker, Ian Tallman. He talked about going where kids are and building personal relationships with them, providing fun, adventurous, life-changing experiences, similar to ones that changed his life, while working in community alongside like-minded adults (volunteer leaders, committee members, donors, and staff).

Principal Antion then introduced the Class of 2024 and presented them to Mr. Eddie Vincent, Superintendent of Barbour County Schools. who stated that they had completed the requirements to graduate. Assistant principal Tonya Ferguson, and CTE Director presented each student to the audience, and the certifications were presented by Joanne McConnell, President of the Barbour County Board of Education.

The Class anthem “Dreamer” by Joyce Eilers Bacak was sung by the PBHS Colt Cords part of the choir.

A special slide/video program “Moment or Reflection” was presented by Natalie Dumire and Mackenzie Shahan, Class Secretary and Historian, respectively.

The customary ceremony of turning the tassel was performed by Jorjalynn Ward, Class Secretary, along with the turning of the ring, performed by Class Vice President Taylor Skidmore.