By Jimmy Potts,
Managing editor
Nearly 100 Wright City High School seniors took their next step forward after receiving diplomas during Saturday’s graduation ceremony.Ninety-five students became WCHS graduates following Friday’s ceremony and will now go on to college, the armed services or join the workforce.“It’s surreal. I know it will kick in,” graduate Trevor Bacon said. “It’s pretty amazing. I’m going into the Marine Corps in a few months. It is a lot to take in, but it’s going to be a fun journey. I had a lot of great experiences with my friends and family. I’m going to miss it, but I’m glad to take the next step.”Sydney Williams, who also will join the armed services, said the time she spent flew by fast and feels a bit anxious to take the next step forward into adulthood.“It’s definitely a shocker to realize these years have gone by so fast . . . I’m a little nervous,” she said. “I’m not too nervous because I know what I want to do. I’m going into the military, the Air Force, I’m leaving in November for training.”During the ceremony, school officials recognized graduates for their success in sports, but dedicated the most time to recognizing their academic accomplishments.Jacob Durand, Marlie Eastman, Sydnee Hornecker, Alec Lamparter and Ryan Jones received recognition for graduating cum laude. Magna cum laude recipients included Samantha Benson, Chase Jones, Erica Leonard, Keyerah Lawber, Courtney Lawson, Kristen Reckamp, Thomas Robert and Sabrina Koetter, who also was named female student of the year.“Looking back now, I finally learned to appreciate the small town that allowed me to grow up so comfortably,” Koetter said. “I would like to give my deepest gratitude to the teachers and staff of Wright City High School. Four years is a long time, but not nearly enough time to accurately express my appreciation for what they do.“These incredible individuals, who made going to school feel less like prison and more like home, are the heart of the community,” she said. “The bond between teachers and students here exceeds all expectations and I would not trade the opportunity I had to flourish in a small-school setting for all of the world.”Erica Leonard, Shawnee McDonald, Abigail Nitchman and male student of the year Austin Buchheit finished the year summa cum laude graduates and, after suffering a bit of microphone difficulties, Buchhiet also thanked the staff for his experience at WCHS.“That was planned by the way,” Buchheit mused to the audience. “Although daunting, like this speech, I would like to bid you farewell since this mic is going to bid me farewell. I would like to thank everyone, the faculty and the students, for welcoming me so closely. I look forward to seeing you in the near future.“Congratulations Class of 2016. We made it.”Above, Kayla Billings, Savannah Bridges, Alexis Fast, Kallie Cundiff, Brooke Vossen and Abigail Lexa pose for a selfie before Friday’s graduation ceremony at Wright City High School.Right, Wright City High School graduate DeRenzo Blanks celebrates as he crosses the stage to receive his diploma during Friday’s graduation ceremony. Derrick Forsythe photos.
