A graduation for two: TRHS honors military-bound seniors

When Alayna Stokan and Jordan Rose crossed the stage Sunday to accept their Twin Rivers High School diplomas, it was in front of a small crowd of family and friends, not the packed gymnasium they once imagined.

They weren’t seated with classmates, many of whom they’ve known most of their lives.

A vehicle is decorated for Sunday's parade.

Instead they were the only two seniors to receive diplomas during a special ceremony held to honor members of the Class of 2020 who have signed up for the military. It was held immediately prior to a vehicle parade for the entire class that traveled from Broseley to Qulin and Fisk.

Both Stokan and Rose have joined the U.S. Army and leave this month for basic training in South Carolina. They will be unable to attend the formal TRHS ceremony that has been rescheduled for June because of COVID-19 disruptions.

While it wasn’t the commencement the pair had imagined, it was made all the more special because it was a celebration they almost missed.

“I thought it was really great that (Principal Misti Lovelace) compromised with us and was able to get this set up so that we were all able to be together. I just cherish this moment with our classmates and our families,” said Stokan. Stokan leaves Sunday for basic training. Rose will follow May 25.

“It’s great to be able to say good-bye to everyone,” said Rose.

Alayna Stokan accepts her diploma Sunday, May 10, at Twin Rivers High School at a special ceremony at Broseley.

None of the pomp and circumstance were spared for the ceremony of two.

The event featured a keynote address by Twin Rivers native 1st Sgt. Douglas Ledbetter, speeches by Valedictorian Isaac Thurman and Salutatorian Madison Lampe, scholarship awards and the full program the rest of their class will receive in June.

“The two graduates I have come to speak for today have chosen a not so easy path, but a much needed path for our nation to prosper and stay safe,” said Ledbetter, who still lives in the Twin Rivers district with his family. “I’m very proud you both have answered the call to service and very proud of the fact that on this day, Mother’s Day, we can thank these two mothers for entrusting their children to our great country.”

Life doesn’t usually follow the plans individuals lay out, Ledbetter said.

“The important thing is you’ve already taken the initial step to build a more promising future,” he explained, adding later, “It’s a tough world out there. Nothing will be handed to you … And it will be more meaningful because you earned it. … Your future is in your hands, no one else’s.”

Thurman told those gathered for the event that hard work beats talent almost every time, especially in the long run.

“I’ve seen far more people with natural talent get passed by people willing to work hard,” said Thurman, explaining he didn’t reach the top of the class because of a natural talent to understand math and science, but instead through hard work.

Lampe thanked TRHS staff, saying students were taught to live their dreams thanks to the educators at the school.

“And remember, we beat this quarantine,” she told Rose and Stokan.

A seat is saved for the late Jerry Williams during the graduation of his granddaughter, Alayna Stokan, Sunday, May 10, at Twin Rivers High School.

A U.S. Navy ballcap, a denim jacket and a framed photo of Jerry Williams with his granddaughter, Stokan, sat in an empty chair during the ceremony.

Stokan lost her grandfather nearly a year ago, but said he was the person who inspired her to join the military. Her grandfather served in the Navy.

“He was just one reason that I really wanted to do this,” said Stokan, describing service as a family tradition.

Joining the Army has been his plan since he was little, said Rose, saying his family is also very supportive of the military.

Rose and Stokan’s families were seated separately during the event, which was closed to the public. Rose is the son of Tony and Teresa Rose. Stokan is the daughter of Amanda and Matt Elsworth.

Jordan Wesley Rose visits with family Sunday, May 10, at Twin Rivers High School after a special ceremony at Broseley. DAR/Donna Farley

Their classmates were allowed to attend and sit in the bleachers, but were asked to follow social distancing.

“We did everything to make it just as special,” said Lovelace.

The event was held after consulting with Butler County Health Department, said Lovelace. The full class was also allowed to provide input on whether or not to move forward with an earlier graduation under social distancing or wait until June to try for a more normal ceremony. They chose to wait, said Lovelace.

Parents decorate a vehicle Sunday.

Stokan and Rose joined dozens of their classmates following their graduation ceremony for a vehicle parade through the Twin Rivers district.

It was the first time many of the students had seen their classmates since school was stopped in early March.

“It’s awesome that they get to do this for the kids,” mom Gayla Withrow said Sunday as she and husband Kent Withrow decorated a vehicle for their daughter, Kristen Withrow.

The family has been taking the extended break day-by-day, Gayla said.

Kristen, who plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University and major in education, said it felt good to see her classmates again and join in the celebrations.