Prom season is over, and soon, seniors at all four area high schools – Tahlequah, Hulbert, Keys and Sequoyah – will turn the tassles on their mortarboards and begin a new chapter in their lives.

Cailyn Russell, vice president of the THS senior class, can hardly wait to continue her education.

“I’m just ready to go to college,” said Cailyn, who is concurrently enrolled in nine hours this spring at Northeastern State University. “I’m ready to be out on my own and not have set school rules. I’m ready to be my own person.”

Cailyn plans to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, and pursue a pharmacy degree.

The most important lesson she’s learned throughout her high school career is respect for her elders.

“I’ve had a very influential teacher in my life who helped me figure out what I want to be,” said Cailyn. “And I’ve also made great friends and had an opportunity to go to college and high school at the same time.”

THS classmate and senior Beki Martin plans to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and will pursue a pre-med program.

“I’m really excited to get out of high school, but not about leaving my friends,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed the classes here at THS, and the level of preparation they’ve given me for college. I’m also thankful for all the friends I’ve made.”

THS will host graduation for its class of 326 seniors at 7 p.m., Friday, May 23, at NSU’s Gable Field. Should Mother Nature interfere, the event will be moved to the THS PAC, and seating will be limited to ticketholders only. A baccalaureate for THS seniors will be at 6 p.m., Sunday, May 18, in the THS Performing Arts Center.

Parents of THS graduating seniors have fostered a tradition of keeping teens safe by sponsoring the Save-A-Senior all-night graduation party. This year’s event will be at NSU’s University Center, and both Cailyn and Beki plan to attend.

“The Save-A-Senior party is neat,” said Beki. “It gives us one last time to be together as a class, and it keeps us safe.”

The Sequoyah High School Class of 2008 will celebrate graduation at 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 16, at “The Place Where They Play” on campus, followed by a reception. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith and Attorney General Diane Hammons will address the 89 graduates. A senior luncheon is planned for Thursday, May 15.

SHS senior Kandace Vann has her sights set on a promising college career.

“Getting to experience concurrent enrollment during my senior year was fun,” said Kandace. “I now plan to attend NSU, majoring in art.”

Michael Soap has developed his athletic prowess while at SHS, which has afforded him opportunities to also attend college.