By Jan Schultz
    The Imperial Republican
     A class of 46 will step across the stage in the Longhorn gym Saturday afternoon, as members of the Chase County Schools' senior class participate in their commencement.
     The class has chosen navy, white and teal as its colors and the white Gerber daisy as its flower. Their motto is "The tassel was definitely worth the hassle."
     High School Principal Mike Sorensen, who is completing his second year here, said he'll remember this class as one of high achievers, who have earned very good ACT scores and GPAs.
     "I've watched this class for two years and they are one of those classes who enjoy each other, they are tight-knit and always looking for a good time," Sorensen said.
     "But, they bear down when they need to," he added.
     Sorensen has had an extra special tie to the senior class this year, as well.
     Its class president and one of the valedictorians, J.B. "John" Lawless, was "adopted" by the Soren­sen family this past school year after Lawless' parents moved to the North Platte area.
     That allowed young Lawless the chance to graduate with the class he's been with all four years.
     "It's been a great learning experience with for us," Sorensen said.
     "We've gotten some idea of what it will be like when our own kids are teens."
     But, it's also provided another advantage to Sorensen as principal.
     "Having J.B. here, I've gotten to know more of the high school kids on a personal level, and understand what goes on in their lives," he said.
     "That's made it easier to deal with things here at high school."
     Honored as another valedictorian this Saturday will be Trevor Roenfeldt. Both he and Lawless have perfect 4.0 grade point averages.
     Together, the two valedictorians will address the audience and class Saturday afternoon.
     Erica Pirog is the class salutatorian. She's just a hair behind the valedictorians on grade point average, Sorensen said, with a 3.9 "and some change."
     She will deliver the benediction at the end of the graduation ceremony. Class Vice President Jordan German will give the invocation.
     The ceremony Saturday begins at 4:30 p.m. in the gym, opening with music from the school band.
     The popular video presentation is again included in this year's program, and the high school's 9th St. Singers will sing two numbers.
     Presenting this year's diplomas will be school board members Sheila Stromberger and Cindy Arterburn, both who have children in the Class of 2008.
     The senior high band will play recessional music as the class leaves for their receptions.
     Marcie Yaw, high school guidance counselor and a senior class sponsor, is expected to be at graduation practice Friday morning, Sorensen said.
     Sorensen noted Mrs. Yaw had a start on the graduation planning earlier in the school year, and expects to be at the commencement ceremony on Saturday, and help out "as much as she can."
     Yaw was also at the school a couple of hours Monday afternoon, as she continues to recuperate from a brain aneurism she suffered in January. It's apparent she's anxious to get back to her duties at the high school.