On Friday, May 31, 121 students from Wright City High School officially became Wildcat alumni. Parents, friends and teachers bittersweetly watched these graduates walk across the stage and start a new chapter of their lives. 

Some students will go off to college, some will join the military, some will start a full-time job, but they all have one thing in common –they were able to leave high school with a plethora of lessons learned and memories they will cherish.

The commencement took place inside the Wright City gymnasium. For years, the school had been able to hold the ceremony outside, but the springtime rain caught up to them this year.

Graduation started with a speech from Chris Berger, Wright City R-II superintendent. Berger will be retiring by the end of June, along with Assistant Superintendent Douglas Smith.

Principal Matt Brooks hosted most of the graduation, introducing speakers while also giving his own speech. Brooks sent the graduates a message that life is like an echo, emphasizing that we get what we put in.

“My hope for the Class of 2024 is that their echo transcends this moment and carries you into a life of fulfillment,” Brooks said. “Always remember that you will be Wright City Wildcats and that your echo is as loud and as positive as you make it.”

During the ceremony, the class had three student speakers. These speakers were Steven Cox, Charleigh Ferrell and Tayla Payne. Payne was the student class president.

“This moment seems utterly surreal. We’ve waited our entire high school careers screaming about the very moment we’d be able to celebrate all of our accomplishments,” Payne said. 

Payne went on to talk about how her experiences have been the reason for her motivation and drive to succeed. During her speech, she also illustrated how the graduates should create the life they want, while also thanking the people that helped them get there. 

Payne ended her speech with a simple statement, “Growing up with you has been a remarkable experience and I’m forever appreciative of the moments we shared.”

Payne then signed out as class president. 

Shannon Wells, a social studies teacher, was chosen by the senior class to give a speech. Wells did not disappoint in making the graduates and audience laugh with his witty jokes and humor. 

Wells stressed the idea that there will be ups and downs and mistakes will be made as these graduates get ready to embark on a new chapter in their lives. He told them to get involved in their community, use their knowledge to help people and stand up for others who can’t stand up for themselves. 

“I want to thank the class of 2024. It’s been a pleasure to watch you grow as freshmen to the young adults you are sitting before me today,” Wells said. 

The ceremony ended with Brooks announcing the students as the official class of 2024. The graduates responded by throwing their caps and shooting confetti party poppers in the air while they celebrated with their friends beside them.