Graduates say goodbye to MHS

Monday, May 13, 2013

Lorri Sughroue

A private in the U.S. Marine Corp., Clayton Korus received a standing ovation from his classmates and the crowd when he received his diploma. (Lorri Sughroue/McCook Daily Gazette)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- With tears, hugs and shouts of joy, the McCook High School Class of 2013 formally ended their K-12 education Sunday with a standing-room only crowd at McCook Community College's Event Center.

Superintendent Grant Norgaard opened the commencement ceremony and encouraged the students to keep their relationships strong with their classmates, community, friends, teachers and family. As it was Mother's Day, he asked them to acknowledge their mothers, at which point students promptly shouted out, "Thanks, Mom!"

Student speakers Jacqui Hager, Gavin Harsh, Collin Messersmith and Brooklynn Trew spoke of the memories created with their classmates. Hager remembered junior high "with lots of drama and a lot of homework," while Harsh spoke of the uncharted, uncertain, but exiting future ahead of them. 'I challenge you to lead, improve and change the world...let's go!" he said.

After the ceremony,Janelle Bowers gives a big hug to her nephew, Mitch Collicott. (Lorri Sughroue/McCook Daily Gazette)

Trew talked of how fast the years sped by, when it seemed only yesterday when they were frightened kindergardeners. Messersmith spoke of how the class was willing to put their differences behind them and come together as one and also of the unique history they share. Hanging out in parking lots, backyard bonfires and "wasting $4 gas cruising around" were some of the recollections they have growing up in "Small town, USA," where news gets around fast and "I was grounded before I walked in the door."

The senior class chose Kassidy Gillen and Javier Beltran as recipients for the Bison Award. The award best exemplifies the traits of school citizenship, loyalty, service and the ability to promote a positive rapport within the school setting.

Students recognized for straight A's in their high school career were Veronica Bair, Sarah Larington, Kelsey Siebrandt and Kelsey Woitaszewski.

Bison Award winners chosen by their classmates were Kassidy Gillen and Javier Beltran. (Lorri Sughroue/McCook Daily Gazette)

The MHS Senior High School Choir performed "Some Nights," with soloists Lexi Gross, Rachel Gordine, Dakota Hutchins, Rhiann Swancutt, Trista Thames and Kelsey Siebrandt.

Class officers were Khyla Krepcik, president, Gavin Harsh, vice president, Kassidy Gillin and Oliva Paz, secretary. The class motto was "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind," by Dr. Seuss. Class colors were red, black and silver; class plant, the venus fly trap and class song, "Best Days" by Graham Colton.