Despite unseasonably windy and cool weather for mid-May, families and friends showed up strong to Cardinal Stadium to participate in Osborne High School's very first Senior Spotlight event. Designed to celebrate the 2024 Senior class, it was also a party for the community and included a 15-minute fireworks show that lit up the field and the surrounding area.
"It was spectacular!" exclaimed Osborne Assistant Principal and Event Organizer Dr. Ben Needle. "Graduation is a special time when graduates are presented as they cross the stage. However, Senior Spotlight is intended to shine the light on not only the students but also their family and friends who helped guide them to the finish line of their K-12 career."
Families were invited to bring tables, decorations, chairs, and food and set up around the stadium to prepare for the special walk across the 50-yard line as a group. Seniors could include anyone they liked to accompany them—family members, friends, teachers, coaches—in one of their final moments as Osborne students.
"We spent a lot of time explaining to families what the night would look like and why they should come. We were able to present over 126 students to the community, but just as important were the families that joined them. Students and families both shared with us how special the evening was for them," Dr. Needle said about the effects of the first-time event.
Osborne Principal Troy Jones was ever-present all evening. In between greeting families and shaking hands, he helped out Dr. Needle, spoke to the media, took photos, and spread joy for the Class of 2024.
"It was a magical evening for students and loved ones to forge lasting connections and share in the pride of reaching this significant milestone," Principal Jones said with a smile. "The grand finale of the event—a spectacular professional fireworks display—served as a dazzling tribute to the resilience and dedication of this graduating class."
After a Senior Sunset photo in the end zone, the Class of 2024 gathered their support group and began lining up for a memorable introduction and a triumphant stroll across the football field amidst a glow of LED lights, loud cheers, and applause from all in attendance.
Chris Slaughter, owner of CSS Transportation, supplied an emotional backstory to the entire evening. He told of how he started his company eight years ago with a dream of being a first-generation entrepreneur and $2000 in his pocket. Over the years, Chris worked hard to build his company and raise his daughter, Cheyenne. This meant many late and long nights in the tow truck with Cheyenne by his side. He promised her that their sacrifices would pay off, and now, eight years later, CSS donated $2000 to the Senior Spotlight as a sponsor of the event.
"Cheyenne works in operations as my administrative assistant, and together, we manage a multi-million dollar company with a staff of 18 employees and a fleet of 12 trucks. When her introduction was read off at the Senior Spotlight and she said that she wanted to be an entrepreneur, I almost fainted," Mr. Slaughter said emotionally.
Stories like this are what make graduation such a special time. A funny thing happens as Cobb students progress from elementary to middle to high school. They not only receive a great education, but they grow up into adults along the way. They learn what it means to be a part of a community both in and out of the classroom... even in a tow truck.
Planning an event of this magnitude is a huge job, especially the first one. Dr. Needle and his team did a fantastic job putting it all together and thinking of all the details to make the Senior Spotlight a memorable night for everyone. "We are certain that this has been established as a night of inspiration for future graduates so that one day they can have their own moment to shine!" he said enthusiastically.
Great job celebrating your graduates and the families that supported them and made it possible, Osborne High School! Congratulations to the Cardinal Class of 2024!
