The underlying themes for Wright City’s 2011 graduating class were success and unity. Both students and faculty agreed these characteristics set this class apart from others. “This was a close-knit group who achieved together,” said Principal Shawn Brown. “They were there for each other in good and bad times. The group of friends was very apparent.” “I’ll miss my friends and my favorite teachers,” said graduate Shaquille Brandt. “I’d tell any incoming classes to keep moving forward.” Brown began Sunday’s graduation ceremony with a speech about defining the class in one word. “Successful,” he said. “They’ve achieved academically, athletically and in maturation.” Academically, the graduating class received $148,000 worth of college scholarships. Athletically, the football team recorded the school’s first playoff victory in a record-setting season. As for maturation, a slide show displaying baby pictures and current pictures of each graduate helped to capsulize the progression of the class. “It’s been great to see the maturation of each graduate,” Brown said. “They’ve become very capable leaders in the building. I’m proud of all the young men and women they’ve become.” “I’ll really miss being a role model for the underclassmen,” said graduate Melissa Wilmore. “Have fun and get involved. You’ve got to while you’re here.” Jennifer Abel and Paige Ponticello were named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Eric Smurl and Emily Molitor were named students of the year. Graduate Carol Semler said high school was an experience where she could be anything she wanted to be. “I’ll miss not being able to see my friends,” she said. “Here, you can just be who you are.” Others took a more comical approach. “I’ll definitely miss my friends,” said graduate Devin Kiser. “But I won’t miss classes.” And for some graduates, the day was about reminiscing about a little bit of everything. “I’m going to miss my friends, sports and all the memories,” said senior Emily Lawler. “You have to make as many memories as you can and hold onto the people who mean most to you.” “Never regret any decision you made,” added graduate Taylor Jennings. Class President Gus Wehmeier joked that the only reason he wanted the position was so that he could speak in front of his peers at graduation. He then put a stamp on his class and delivered a heartfelt speech about the roller-coaster ride that was high school. “I want people to know that this is my class,” Wehmeier said. “We’re different from any other class before us.” Classmate Cody Cox said the speech hit a nerve. “I like how in Gus’ speech, he mentioned that we didn’t have one big memory, but so many little memories and that’s awesome,” he said. The graduates selected teacher Matt Brooks to deliver a speech to the class. He highlighted family, friends and hard work and closed out his speech with a sentence that echoed into the crowd’s ears. “You’ll always be a Wright City Wildcat,” he said. Superintendent Dr. Chris Gaines said he thought the graduation ran smoothly — and comfortably. “There was a great crowd and great speeches,” he said. “All went well. This is a good group of kids. “This class also has the distinction of being the first one with air conditioning,” he added, alluding to the sweltering temperatures the Class of 2010 dealt with. The class may be set apart for its success, but Brown urged each graduate to continue to work hard. “Don’t rely on the success you’ve had here to define you,” he said. “We’ll be excited to see them in five years and hopefully a little bit of what we've brought to their lives will help them be successful people.” Graduates swept across the stage, accepting their diplomas. Minutes later, graduation caps flew into the air. After exiting the gymnasium, graduate Rico Zaldivar summed up the emotion for the Class of 2011. “It feels great,” he said.