Graduates look forward to future
CONGRATULATIONS. Graduate Avery Parker-Allen gives a speech about the joys of what comes after high school. The ceremony honored faculty members like Retirees Chris Earley, Terri Price, Dr. Anissa Gastin, and High School Teacher of the Year Christian Farmer. Graduate Mason Meaney believes graduating is a core memory for people. “Graduating high school is one of the most important parts of people’s lives,” Meaney said. “It’s how people move on in their lives, get good jobs and adapt to modern society.”
May 23, 2023
The 69th annual graduation exercise took place at the Independence Community of Christ Auditorium. A total of 348 seniors received diplomas presented by the Board of Education on May 12, 2023.
Graduate Brooklyn Fraser was selected as Valedictorian, and Graduate Brett Winingar was selected as Salutatorian. Graduate Avery Parker-Allen has always dreamed about graduating.
“I’ve been waiting for this for so long,” Parker-Allen said. “I just wanna thank the Lord and thank everybody that’s helped me come this far.”
Graduates Xander Hill and Emerson Brooks were the chosen speakers for the ceremony. Graduate Tiallo Clemons anticipates the independence of being out of school.
“I can’t wait for freedom,” Clemons said. “I’m gonna work, be at home and just live life and be free.”
Out of 348 graduates 46 are honorary graduates, 83 were accepted into Missouri A+ program, 3 bright flight recipients, and 72 graduates of Lewis and Clark Academy. Graduate Brady Darr will reminisce about high school.
“I’m ready to be gone but I know I’m going to miss it.” Darr said. “I’ll for sure miss hanging out with all my friends at all the football games.”
At the end of the ceremony Graduate Brielle Redinger turned the tassels for class of 2023.
