Dare County Schools

Eighty-two Manteo High School students and four Dare County Alternative School students received their diplomas at the 2010 Manteo High School commencement on the morning of June 12, held at the Lost Colony Waterside Theatre.

Leading the graduates into the picturesque venue as the MHS band played under Band Director Larry Keeler were Board of Education members David Oaksmith, Walter Holton, Bea Basnight, Ben Cahoon, Anthony Fletcher, and Ben Sproul  with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sue Burgess, Assistant Superintendent John Winston, Director of Secondary Instruction Nancy Griffin, MHS Principal John Luciano, Assistant Principal Meldine Lee, Dare County Alternative School Principal Dr. Richard Martin, and MHS 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year Frank Vrablic. Joining Board members and administrators on the platform were graduates - SGA President Amanda Daniels, Senior Class President Brianna Payne, MHS Class of 2010 Salutatorian Paul Charron, SGA Vice-President Carly Creef, and Class of 2010 Valedictorian Bree Tillett.

With participants in place, graduates Sarah Leary, Sarah Presgraves and Katelyn Rea gave tribute in song, “Across the Universe,” to classmate Reid DeBlieu, whose June 12 birthday would have coincided with the day of his graduation from MHS. Following, each member of the Class of 2010 released a balloon in memory of their classmate and friend.

 Salutatorian Paul Charron

Amanda Daniels began the commencement exercises by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Brianna Payne introduced platform guests; Assistant Principal Lee recognized the honor graduates and the North Carolina Scholars, followed by a presentation by the MHS Chorus, “In My Life.”

Keynote: Dare County Schools Teacher of the Year, Frank Vrablic. As the iconic MHS Math department chair and men & women’s varsity soccer coach, Vrablic makes his mark on students both in the classroom and on the playing field. "Remember," Vrablic advised, "take one step at a time, do not skip steps, show all work, don’t assume anything, and be able to support your conclusion; then stand by your final answer." Click here for Vrablic's complete remarks.

MHS Class of 2010 Salutatorian Paul Charron gave remarks, and Carly Creef introduced keynote speaker, Dare County Schools Teacher of the Year MHS Mathematics Department Chair Frank Vrablic.
 

MHS Class of 2010 Valedictorian Bree Tillett gave address, followed by Principal Luciano.
 

Assistant Principal Meldine Lee presented the graduates for awarding of diplomas presented by Principals Luciano and Martin; Frank Vrablic presented graduates with the class flower, a tiger lily before they descended the platform. The singing of the Alma Mater preceded Superintendent Burgess’ formal declaration of commencement for the Class of 2010, as tassels were turned and caps took to the air.

Academic Junior Marshals for 2010 were Caroline Atkinson, Stevie Bradley, Tucker Daniels, Darren Evans, Bowen Jones, Caroline Lowcher, Hannah R. Meekins, and Caroline Patrick. Class mascots were Jeni Hooper and Trevor Price.

MHS 2010 Valedictorian Bree Tillett had her valedictory address behind her, diploma in hand, a kiss from her prince, and family  "in the house" - why not be happy?

All Photos: Yvonne Miakisz and Sarah Neal Pritchard