Laughter erupted at the memories shared and humorous quips fired off by Wright City senior William Pohl on Friday night. He was one of five members of the Class of 2019 to speak to the friends and family in attendance during the Wright City High School commencement ceremony.“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito,” quipped Pohl. “Classmates, we have limitless potential.”The audience got to hear a variety of feedback and advice from both graduates and keynote speaker Bill Schaffer, band director, who reminded the seniors that paths shift and of the importance of following your passion. Schaffer, who has been in the district for over two decades, was chosen by the student body to deliver this year’s message.“The most important thing I want to see is what you accomplish next,” said Schaffer. “Be proud, hold your head high and never let anybody stop you. Follow your dreams. Live them and love them.”Seniors took turns speaking, as Kylie Helmig, Emily Gilley and Morgan Rohan, along with Class President Riley Heiliger, shared messages of challenge and inspiration, along with plenty of light-hearted reflections.“It’s time for you to break down the boundaries that have reined you in, to take on the challenges of life and everything that comes with it,” said Helmig. “Shoot for the moon, and don’t you dare let the Earth forget that we were here.”Friday’s ceremony saw about 85 seniors cross the stage to receive their diplomas under the lights on the football field. Favorable weather conditions meant the rare opportunity to host the event outside, making it more memorable for the Class of 2019.During the ceremony special honorees were recognized, including acknowledgments for female student of the year Kylie Helmig and male student of the year Sean Pfuhl, as well as students who achieved cum laude status.Several graduating members of the band gave their final performance, delivering a heartfelt and energetic selection of “Children of a Different Sun,” by Roland Barrett, with Schaffer leading the way.The ceremony closed with distribution of diplomas, with the digits 20:19 adorning the scoreboard on the football field.

Graduating members of the Wright City Class of 2019 celebrate as they exit Friday’s ceremony after receiving their diplomas. R-II had 85 senior graduates cross the stage for recognition this year. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe

Wright City High School senior Evan Bartlett leads his fellow classmates in during their commencement ceremony May 17. The Class of 2019 had 85 members cross the stage to receive their diplomas during this year’s graduation. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe