Cabot High School's First Ever Virtual Graduation Ceremony

The Cabot High School Virtual Commencement Ceremony was broadcast statewide on KATV Channel 7 on Saturday, May 30th, at 4:00 p.m. It also premiered simultaneously on our Cabot High School Television YouTube channel. Some of our CHS seniors even participated in the on-air promotions leading up to the big event!

*Seniors and parents: Please check your email for a link to a free download of the Cabot High School Virtual Commencement Ceremony. The download will be available until Friday, July 31st.

Family, friends, the community and Arkansans from across the state were able to watch together as 748 seniors graduated. This is the largest class in the history of Cabot High School!

This was definitely an exciting and unique opportunity to be able to celebrate the Class of 2020 with everyone. Seniors and their families shared pictures and videos with us by using the special hashtag #CabotClassof2020.

Included in the 748 seniors who graduated, 63 seniors graduated with High Honors (GPA above 4.0) and 174 graduated with Honors (GPA between 3.5 and 4.0). Along with a certain GPA, specific course requirements must also be met in order to be considered an honor graduate. The Class of 2020 also accumulated millions of dollars in college scholarships!

This year's Valedictorian was Zachary Wilmoth. Zachary is graduating with a 4.6222 GPA.  He has been a part of the Cabot wrestling team since 10th grade and served as the Team Captain for the 2019-2020 season. He was both founder and President of the Science National Honor Society and President of Mu Alpha Theta.  Zach was also a member of National Honors Society and AP Academy. He was named a National Merit Finalist and Scholar in addition to being named an AP Scholar with Distinction.  Zachary has received the University of Arkansas Honors College Fellowship, the Snap-on scholarship, the Arkansas Governor's Distinguished scholarship, and the Dallas Kaylor Memorial Scholarship. He plans on attending the University of Arkansas where he will pursue a degree in International Business with a concentration in finance.  

Co-Salutatorians were Jayson Crumpler, Ethan Peck, and Eliana Pray.

Jayson Crumpler has served Cabot High School as both the Science National Honor Society Senior Representative and the National Honor Society President, a position for which he has been nationally recognized based on his enduring work and constant dedication to his community. Jayson has further committed himself to the ideals of service by starting the Arkansas Students United for Mental Health organization and is currently working with the Arkansas Legislature to propose official legislation that will protect students' rights to mental health treatment. Jayson will be attending Hendrix College this fall where he plans to explore environmental studies and politics. Jayson has received a total of $208,000 towards his education and has received the highest academic scholarship available at Hendrix.

Ethan Peck has been a member of the Cabot Band and Quiz Bowl Team since 7th grade. He has served as webmaster and president of Key Club as well as Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta. Ethan is also a member of AP Academy, National Honor Society, Arkansas Youth Symphony Orchestra, and our FIRST Robotics Team. He was named a National Merit Finalist, Arkansas Times Academic All Star, All-State Chamber Orchestra Qualifier, and AP Scholar with Distinction. Ethan will be attending Rice University in Houston, Texas and will major in electrical engineering with a minor in mathematics.

Eliana Pray served as the President of Junior Auxiliary Crown Club and the Secretary of National Honor Society. She is also a member of AP Academy and Science National Honor Society. Eliana was named a National Merit Finalist and an AP Scholar with Distinction. She has received the National Merit Finalist Scholarship Package at the University of Alabama, totaling up to $205,000. Eliana plans on participating in the Honors College where she will pursue a degree in Chemistry on the Pre-Physician's Assistant Track.

Following the online commencement ceremony, the lights and video board at Panther Stadium were turned on to honor the Class of 2020. Many seniors, dressed in their cap and gown, and their families took time out to capture some lasting memories in front of the jumbotron and throughout the stadium.

Leading up to graduation, Cabot Public Schools honored our graduates with a commemorative 48 page special section in the Arkansas Leader newspaper. It included speeches from Superintendent Dr. Thurman, CHS Principal Henry Hawkins, Cabot School Board President Marvin Jones, valedictorian, salutatorians, as well as photographs and names of all our graduating seniors.

Cabot Public Schools provided a free copy of this special keepsake for every student. Extra copies are being distributed at Cabot High School. Get yours now, first come, first serve!  

Also, to celebrate the Class of 2020, the city of Cabot, Cabot Chamber of Commerce, Red River Auto Group, and Action Sign recognized each graduating senior with their own congratulatory sign.

We certainly hope our seniors have felt the love and support from not only the district but our community and the state. We are extremely proud of the Class of 2020! You are a part of history. Congratulations seniors...welcome to the CHS Panther alumni family! 

*A special thank you to CHS broadcasting teacher Chuck Massey and his team for producing our first ever virtual graduation!

Behind the scenes of our CHS Virtual Graduation