The time had come for the 50 seniors to say “farewell” to MMCRU High School.
After 13 years of school, May 21 was their date of graduation. They had received their “wings” and were ready to move out into the world they had prepared for all these years. Hurrah! They were graduating!
This year because of construction going on, the graduates met in a classroom and then proceeded to the Commons area for pictures to be taken. At 1:30 they came all ready for pictures. Getting all these students lined up was not a problem as “thanks” to Mrs. Peters, she got them ready in no time at all! We first had all of them hoping to be able to get them all in on the picture. Then we decided to have just the girls and then follow up with just the boys. That way we would be sure of getting them all at one time or another!
No, we weren’t finished yet as we hadn’t taken a picture of the Salutatorian and the two Valedictorians. Mrs. Peters found them for their picture. Salutatorian was Jaelyn Kabisch. Valedictorians were Andrew Barinsky and Kaden Neddermeyer.
This final time in the Commons area before they left for the gym found some having a last hug and even some tears. This could be the last time they would see some of their classmates.
Because of construction, there were signs with arrows pointing us to the gym where parents, relatives and friends were waiting for this moment. A silence fell over the auditorium as the Concert Band, under the direction of Ms. Emma Davis began playing the Processional, “Pomp and Circumstance”. The graduates marched in two by two with the odd number of “three” bringing up the end. They were seated in a row on the auditorium floor facing the stage.
Principal Brandon Weisert welcomed the family and friends to this occasion and especially, the graduates. He expressed his farewell to an outstanding class.
Superintendent Barkel introduced the members of the Board of Education sitting on the stage.
Could you recognize the graduate by his “baby picture”? Lights out! It was time for the class slide show where we could saw the “before” and “now” the grownup graduate. There were also pictures of field trips, etc. that the class had taken.
Light back on! Time to find your mother or someone to give a white carnation to. Not everyone was seated in an aisle seat so there was some time getting the flower to the middle of the row!
The group of girls known as the MMCRU G-sharps came on stage to sing, “Homeward Bound”.
Mr. Weisert introduced the Salutatorian, Jaelyn Kabisch and Valedictorians, Andrew Barinsky and Kaden Neddermeyer followed by addresses by them to their classmates.
Principal Weisert presented the Senior Class. As their name was called, each eagerly waiting graduate came to the stage to accept his/her well-earned Diploma from either Supt. Barkel or Principal Weisert.
Once the graduates were back in their chairs, Mr. Weisert had a final farewell for this class. Then he said, “It is time to turn your tassels around, you have graduated!” He finished with telling this class to go out into the world and use what they had learned from MMCRU School.
The MMCRU Band played the Recessional. They walked out with who they had walked in with. Because of construction, I really don’t know where they ended up outside!
Class officers for the Class of 2023 were Avery Schlenger (President), Isabelle Olson (Vice President), Emma Reuter (Secretary) and Kierra Gengler (Treasurer). Their class motto was—“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Dr. Seuss
Their Class Colors were Sage Green & White. Their Class Flower was White Carnation.