Area high school graduates commence future

The Ash Grove School District held graduation commencement ceremonies the evening of Thursday, May 9, at Ash Grove High School. The school district graduated 51 students at an event that saw a near packed house. Speaking during the ceremony were seniors Alli Duncan, valedictorian; Kylynn Thompson, salutatorian; Mackenzie Stokes, Miles Nentrup and Kellee Riedle.

The Republic High School Class of 2019 completed their transition from high school students into adulthood during the commencement ceremony that marked the completion of their journey as students of the Republic R-3 District. Three hundred and forty-three students received their high school diplomas before beginning a new journey into the new world awaiting them.
During the ceremony, different speakers offered the Class of 2019 some advice to help them navigate the road ahead. Superintendent of School Chance Wistrom told the students that they have the power to change the world, but their decisions in life would determine if they did so.
“Graduates, will you be a world changer for one person, a thousand, or no one?” he asked. “The choice is yours.”
Seniors Caitlin Calhoun, Megan Sly and Makenzie Tyson served as commencement speakers.
Republic High School Principal Tyler Overstreet, who jokingly called the Class of 2019 his “favorite” class (they were the first class to spend all four years of their high school careers with him), spoke to the students about the importance of serving others and helping the members of any team they find themselves part of.
“Be the first to lend a helping hand, a listening ear, or to motivate someone to do bigger and better things,” he said. “The impact on the group or team that you surround yourself with, will make the experience better, more enjoyable, and with a higher chance of being successful.”