Wauneta-Palisade Schools graduation held on Saturday

Wauneta-Palisade graduated 11 on Saturday, May 11. Class President Peyton Cox introduced the class speaker. Former WP elementary teacher, Jennifer DeWester gave her speech by reminiscing on her time as a teacher. She recalled choosing a word that she could reflect on and use to drive her throughout the year. That word for her was “BooYah” and it was written on a little chalkboard that went with her from classroom to classroom. Borrowed from a former student of hers, she would use this word in every situation and it would drive her and her students to celebrate both their successes and their failures. When she resigned from her teaching position, DeWester says that she felt a little lost and for the first time in years, she erased the chalkboard and wrote the phrase “grace changes everything”. She says that grace does not come easily to most but, as with most things, practice will help. DeWester urged the Class of 2024 to choose a word or a phrase that can be used to motivate them. Though she did say that they could borrow hers for a while if they need to.
The Salutatorian, Peyton Cox, was introduced by Superintendent Randy Geier. Cox remembers coming to Wauneta-Palisade Schools when she was in the 4th grade and, as a result, meeting her best friends. She gave advice to the underclassman by reminding them to keep their eyes up or else they might miss what is happening to them right now.
Then Geier introduced Valedictorian GraCee Goings. Goings thanked the teachers that helped her through. She also focused on thanking her family and her friends. Goings recalled her senior year and the fun she and her classmates had–including class pranks that they pulled. She ended by encouraging the underclassman to live in the moment and to not take anything for granted.
Then the graduating seniors were able to hand out pink lilies to their families and other people who are special to them. After this emotional moment underscored by the song “Photograph” by Nickelback, the class was presented with their diplomas.
Class sponsor John Kershaw read names and diplomas were handed out by Randy Geier and school board members Laurie Maris and Hondo Fanning. With that, the Class of 2024 was directed to move their tassels and was pronounced officially graduated.
The newly graduated seniors exited the gym to the song “Congratulations” by Post Malone and went off to celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends.