The Leonard Graphic

June 16, 2011 - Once again, there is renewed hope for the restoration of the Delba Cemetery on County Road 5040 southwest of Leonard to return it to it's attractive, serene setting of years ago. Approximately twenty years ago, Eddie Sudderth, owner of the Summer House in Leonard, and a few like-minded friends, did a clean-up at the cemetery after the last of the old association's members had passed away. Then it remained abandoned for the next fifteen years until The Leonard Boy Scout Troop #156 and Johnny and Lea Head got involved in what became a very productive but short-lived effort. The cane, vinca, rampant poison oak and snakes were daunting challenges at best. So many trees needed to come out. So many cans of insect repellant to be sprayed...

June 9, 2011 - Friday night couldn't get here fast enough for a particular group of 83. They had worked at least 13 years to get to this point in their life - a turning point, a milestone, a huge achievement. The Leonard High School Class of 2011 marched onto the field for their graduation, and they were ready.

After an opening prayer and the playing and singing of the Star Spangled Banner by the LHS band and choir - minus the Senior members - the ceremony began.

Salutatorian Catelyn Cash started off by apologizing for the heat.

"We can't help it if we're the hottest class from Leonard," she said, prompting laughter from the audience.