CCS, WP commencement ceremonies set for Saturday

    This Saturday marks an important date on the calendars of seniors at Chase County Schools and Wauneta-Palisade—high school graduation.
    WP has a morning ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the school. CCS exercises start at 3 p.m. in the Longhorn gym.
    “Competitive, but in a kind way.” That’s how 7-12 Guidance Counselor Jaclyn Paisley will remember the Class of 2023 at Chase County Schools.
    Thirty-seven seniors will cross the stage on Saturday during the school’s annual commencement exercises amid a program of pomp and circumstance.
    The 3 p.m. ceremonies start an hour and a half earlier than CCS graduations in the past. Paisley said the class asked for an earlier program start this year.
    Paisley is completing her first year as Guidance Counselor, but is no stranger to the senior class.
    A former CCS elementary teacher who started at CCS in 2010, she taught some of the seniors in kindergarten reading classes.
    “So, I have literally watched them grow up,” she said.
    She said the class is a very loving group, “like a big family. And, I feel they will go far.”  
    Paisley noted seven in the class will go on to college with full-ride scholarships and others have 75% full rides, according to Tuesday’s school board discussion. Several have accumulated 4.0 or higher weighted grade point averages, she said.
    Class Valedictorian is Colin O’Neil while Kade Anderson, who is also the class vice-president, is the Salutatorian. Both will give addresses Saturday.
    Other senior class officers are involved in the program. Class president Madelynn Hanes will give the opening, while class secretary and treasurer Kayla Chavira and Aliana McNair will present closing remarks.
    First-year 7-12 Principal Christopher Barr will provide the welcome, CCS Supt. Adam Lambert will present the class and board of education members will distribute the diplomas.
    A video presentation is expected to be among the highlights as childhood and senior photos of each class member, along with future plans, will be featured.
    The high school’s 9th St. Singers show choir, directed by David Rushing, will sing two numbers. The CCS band will play processional and recessional music under the direction of Agnes Strand.
    The Class of 2023 chose the Gerbera Daisy as its class flower and their colors are orange and white.
Morning ceremony at WP
    A morning ceremony in the Wauneta-Palisade school gymnasium will spotlight 16 members of the Class of 2023.
    Class Valedictorian is Chloe Stehno while Peyton Vrbas is the Salutatorian. Stehno was the senior class treasurer and student council representative and Vrbas was class secretary.
    Both Stehno and Vrbas will give an address during the program.
    Guest speaker will be Michelle Harchelroad, a WP alumnus, local business owner and community leader.
    A special part of the program is presentation of flowers from the graduates to members of their family or other supporters.
    WP Supt. Randy Geier will present the class. WP board members Laurie Maris and John Jutten will distribute the diplomas.
    Music teacher Katie Acton will play “Pomp and Circumstance” for the processional with other recorded music featured during the program and recessional.
    The class has chosen the white rose as its flower. Class colors are red, white and navy.