On May 29, Ed Brune High School proudly celebrated the graduation of nine high school seniors. This was the largest number of graduates in a single year for Brune School, and also one of its most accomplished classes.

Wes Dorman, President of HCYR Board of Directors, expressed pride and congratulations to the graduates on behalf of both Ranch and School Boards.

The keynote commencement speech was delivered by Dr. Bill Blackburn, President of Partners in Ministry in Kerrville. He encouraged the graduates to "build on their strengths until their weaknesses became irrelevant." Dr. Blackburn called each graduate by name and referenced a strength he had learned about them from their teachers and mentors.

Dr. Blackburn received his undergraduate degree from Baylor University, a Masters from Southwestern University, his Ph.D. from Southern Seminary, and did post-doctoral work at Oxford. He pastored at Trinity Baptist Church in Kerrville for over 15 years.

Ed Brune, Foundation Trustee and School Patron, reminded all students to work diligently toward positive goals, and to always give God the thanks for resources and opportunities given to them.

The prestigious Cailloux Scholarship was presented to Chantelle Boatright by Ben Modisett, Assistant Executive Director of Floyd A. and Kathleen C. Cailloux Foundation. The award, in the amount of $48,000, was in recognition of Chantelle’s high academic achievement. In presenting the award, Mr. Modisett said the Foundation was delighted that a student from the Brune School had won the award, first ever for a Brune student, and that he hoped to return many times in the future.

Chantelle, Valedictorian of the 2008 Class, expressed her gratitude to the Cailloux family, saying that her dream of college and graduate degrees would not have been possible without this crucial help. In her valedictory address, Chantelle expressed gratitude for the Brune School, the first school that had ever brought out the best in her, and helped her find her gifts.

She thanked everyone who helped her change her track from one of failure to one of success. She encouraged underclassmen to listen, learn, trust, and never give up, and urged them to stay true to themselves, reminding them that the future is in their hands.

Several scholarships and awards were given to the graduates, sending the Class of 2008 on its way with lots of support. It was a time of joy and completion, and tearful goodbyes.