Classmates cheered on one another and broke out their favorite dance moves on stage during the Wright City R-II High School graduation held Friday, May 18.Plenty of laughter was shared, along with a few heartfelt moments, as more than 100 seniors received their diplomas. The Class of 2018 celebrated accomplishments in academics, athletics, music and technological advances, as shared by Principal Shawn Brown.“The high standards they have set have helped achieve unprecedented success,” said Brown. “These young people are capable leaders, who have not let me down one day.”Three seniors delivered personalized speeches, including Class President Kaitlyn Gutermuth, who drew applause with her foreshadowing of select classmates’ futures. She also offered gratitude to the parents and supporters that helped each graduate reach this milestone.“Tonight is not only a celebration of us and our accomplishments, but also a celebration of you,” said Gutermuth.Taylor Brewington and Zoe Pezold also received the honor of speaking as a result of their tremendous academic standing. They finished first and second among their class.They quipped about school lunches, complimented outstanding teachers and reminisced about dozens of memories from the past four years.“We will make changes to the world with our creativity and determination,” said Brewington. “We will continue to push boundaries and hopefully make our world a better place.”Each year the senior class also chooses a faculty member to speak. This year’s selected teacher was history teacher Shannon Wells. He opened and closed with humor, with a dose of stark reality mixed in.The Wright City band also performed, with several seniors joining in for the final time.And while the service had to be moved indoors due to inclement weather, it did not dampen the excitement of the event. It was a sendoff for a group that has set the bar high for future classes.“Your success cannot be measured simply by your past accomplishments, but continued success is a process,” said Brown. “Do not let your success here define you, but let it be a foundation.”

Alexis Seifert high-fives teachers after receiving her diploma during the Wright City High School Class of 2018 commencement ceremony May 18. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe