Graduates' caps fly, above. Staff photo by Trina Bell [Click to enlarge]

CARDWELL, Mo. -- At 8 p.m., Friday, May 16, the Southland High School Rebels said farewell to 21 seniors during the 2008 commencement ceremony.

Candace Bowles, salutatorian, began her speech by addressing her fellow classmates, reminiscing about their time together, and how they once hated coming to school, and now they are saddened to be leaving it.

As she discussed what a tight-knit family they have at Southland, Bowles took a minute to recognize someone who was just as important to the 2008 graduating class as the seniors themselves.

Salutatorian Candace Bowles and valedictorian Daniel "D.J." Figgins, Jr., right, prepare to address classmates as Southland High School at Cardwell, Mo., honors 21 graduating seniors during its commencement ceremony Friday, May 16, 2008. Staff photo by Trina Bell [Click to enlarge]

"Mrs. Meeker is one whose absence has affected us all this year," Bowles said, as she thanked a teacher who had not only been an influence to those she taught but also an influence to all who know her.

Melissa Meeker taught junior high English at one point in her career. She moved with the senior class to high school, where she continued to teach English until she was diagnosed with cancer.

According to the students at Southland High, Meeker has been an inspiration to all. Although her chances of survival looked grim at one point, Meeker stood strong and fought like a Rebel to watch her students march down the isle to receive their diplomas.

Not only did Meeker see her students through to the end, but she volunteered to be a sponsor for this year's graduating class.

"Thank you Mrs. Meeker for all you have done," Bowles said. "You hold a special place in our hearts and we want you to know how much we missed you this year."

Bowles told Meeker that she meant a lot to the graduating class and that they appreciate her help in their journey to self-discovery. "I know Mrs. Meeker will join me in saying 'Kudos, to the class of 2008, for making it here today,'" she said.

Daniel "D.J." Figgins, Jr., class valedictorian, addressed his fellow classmates one by one. As he looked down at his friends, Figgins reminded each one of them of a time in their lives that stood out in his fondest of memories.

"This is the night we've all been waiting for, the night that we've been dreaming of for all these years," Figgins said, "the night that as soon as we walk across this stage and leave this building, we become adults; "the night where we can say that we have accomplished something really great in our lives."

Figgins also thanked the faculty for their support and strength, as well as the families that pushed each individual there graduating to set goals and then reach them.

"We wouldn't be sitting here getting ready to receive our diplomas if we didn't have teachers who were willing to dedicate their lives to each and every one of us," Figgins said. "So family, parents, teachers, friends, and everyone else who had a hand in getting us here today, thank you so much, and we all love and thank you for all you have done."

Figgins stressed to his classmates that they should never give up chasing what they want and to never, never let anyone hold them back or distract or prevent them from achieving their goals. "I love each and every one of you," Figgins said.

Students who received scholarships and the amounts are as follows:

Matt Blagg received the following: $125 scholarship from Future Farmers of America and a $1,200 I.D. and Myrtle Williams scholarship.

Candace Bowles received the following: $50 on behalf of National Honor Society, $100 from Future Teachers of America, a $100 scholarship from Student Council, a $100 Library Club, $100 Future Business Leaders of America, $100 on behalf of Wilborn Farms, $200 from FOCUS Bank, $200 from the Excellence in Education Committee and a $3,500 Arkansas Northeastern College Academic Scholarship.

Ashley Burgess received a $200 scholarship from the Future Career and Community Leaders of America and a $1,500 Arkansas Northeastern and Technical College Certificate.

Terry Cornelius received a $50 Future Farmers of America scholarship and the Elinor Campfield Award in the amount of $100.

Nick Dillon received a $100 scholarship from Wilborn Farms, $125 from Future Farmers of America, a $200 Kellums Family Memorial Scholarship and a $1,000 Vera Lee Langston Memorial Scholarship.

Daniel "D.J." Figgins, Jr. received the Student Council Student of the Year Award, in the amount of $25. He also received $50 from National Honor Society, $100 from Library Club, $200 from FOCUS Bank, $300 from Classroom Teachers Association, $300 from the Excellence in Education Committee, $300 from Wilborn Farms, $500 from Hardin Girl's Farm, $1,000 from Senath State Bank and a $3,500 Arkansas Northeastern College Academic Scholarship.

Johnny Fuller received a $100 Library Club scholarship, $200 from Art Club and $500 on behalf of the Cardwell Alumni-T.J. Bishop Scholarship.

John Haugh received a $100 Library Club scholarship and $100 from Wilborn Farms.

Brett Higgins received the following: $50 from National Honor Society, $50 Sherrill Williams Honorarium scholarship, $100 Library Club scholarship, $200 from Future Career and Community Leaders of America, $200 from FOCUS Bank, $200 from Larry and Barbara Petty, $300 from Lion's Club, $350 from the Arbyrd Class of 1957, $1,500 from Cardwell Co-op Gin, as well as a $4,000 cheerleading scholarship to Three Rivers Community College at Poplar Bluff.

Curtis Jones received $125 on behalf of the Future Farmers of America, $200 from the Kellums family and $500 from Gibson and Son Farm and Produce.

Zachary Kemmett received $125 from Future Farmers of America, $200 from FOCUS Bank, $500 from the Southland graduating class of 1967 and a $1,500 Arkansas Northeastern Technical College Certificate.

Dustin Lee was awarded a $50 Sherrill Williams Honorarium Scholarship.

Kendra Nolen received a $100 scholarship from the Student Council and $100 from the Library Club.

Brandon Perkins received the Elinor Campfield Award in the amount of $100 and a scholarship from the Future Farmers of America in the amount of $125.

Travis Standley received $125 from Future Farmers of America, $100 from Wilborn Farms, $200 from the Kellums family and a $2,000 Clayton Wood Memorial Scholarship.

Megan Zolman was awarded a $100 Library Club Scholarship, $125 from Future Farmers of America and $200 from the Senath-Hornersville Softball Association.