During her commencement speech to the Wright City High School Class of 2013, senior Kristin Laney said what everyone else in the packed gymnasium was thinking: “I love you.”Laney’s address last Friday to her 90 fellow classmates recalled the shared experience of learning and being a part of the student body at Wright City High School (WCHS). She also noted the bittersweet feeling that so many others expressed that night about embarking upon their post-high school endeavors. “I want all of you to know that I love you,” said Laney, recalling a personal tragedy last year that left her with regret that she hadn’t said it more. Laney said she did not want the occasion of her last class gathering to go without letting her fellow students know what an impact they have had on her life. The thunderous applause at the end of her speech suggested the feeling was mutual. Accomplishments, Hope for the Future School officials had hoped for outdoor ceremonies, but scattered showers earlier in the day caused the event to be moved indoors. “In the next few minutes, we’ll have nearly 100 students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas and walk off to the next phase of their lives,” R-II Superintendent Chris Gaines said in his opening remarks. Presiding over the rest of the evening, WCHS Principal Shawn Brown said he wanted to summarize what made the Class of 2013 unique. “The best words I know to describe this class are, ‘Amazing determination to succeed,’” Brown said, going on to note the academic accomplishments that helped the school district become the fourth most improved school in Missouri last year. Brown said the class had received approximately $456,000 in local, college and military scholarships.He also praised the class for its accomplishments athletically and in the community. “Don’t allow yourself to be defined by the success you’ve had here,” Brown told the graduates. “Instead, let it be a foundation for greater things. Although I’m proud to have been a part of what you’ve done these past four years, I hope one day I can be even more excited to know what each of you has become.” ‘Changed My Life Forever’ Graduates selected WCHS teacher Andrew Rudolph to deliver the faculty keynote address. Rudolph explained why he was so thrilled to be selected by the class for the keynote. “These are the kids I first taught at Wright City,” said Rudolph. “These are the kids who forever changed my life. ”Before coming to Wright City, Rudolph said he was in a teaching job he hated. “I dreaded going to school and was ready to quit teaching for good,” he told seniors. He received an offer from Wright City and decided to give his teaching career “one last try.” “Thank God I did. It was teaching these kids graduating today that reignited my love for this job,” Rudolph said, citing acts of the kindness, character and thoughtfulness members of the Class of 2013 had shown him along the way. “These kids saved my teaching career, and for that, I will forever be deeply grateful,” Rudolph added. “Live every day to make a positive impact on this world,” he stated. “By being caring, optimistic and thoughtful people, you have changed my life forever. “Always be fully aware that people around you are changing and being influenced by you,” Rudolph continued. “Do everything in your power to ensure that influence is a positive one. Don’t discourage others, but continue to encourage them. Don’t reject others for their differences, but continue to embrace them. Don’t hurt others, but continue to care for them. “Live your life to its fullest, but always make sure you help others live to the fullest as well,” he concluded. Graduate Mariah Mozee said she wished she had taken her studies more seriously earlier in high school, but that teachers like Rudolph had inspired her to learn. “They made learning fun,” said Mozee. Danielle Stanner said she was excited and scared going into commencement, but also sad. “You know this is the last time we’ll all be together,” she said, taking a last look around at the sea of blue robes. Wright City Graduation File Photo