Celebrating Seniors!

EMPORIA • OLPE • NORTHERN HEIGHTS • HARTFORD • MADISON • CHASE COUNTY • LEBO • BURLINGTON

Celebrating

SENIORS CLASS OF 2020

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A L E T T E R F RO M T H E P R I N C I PA L DEAR SENIOR PARENTS,

W

ELL, THE TIME has come for me to send out a final message to each of you.

Although it will not be a page-after-page farewell, I do hope you realize it’s with mixed and deeply felt emotions that I write this.

As I reflected about this year with our seniors and the many situations we have been through, I tried to focus on the positives. Whether it was our first day of school, first sporting event, first theatre event, first dance, first holiday break, or whatever you can think of, I hope we can retain and return to those fond memories of this class’s senior year; I am sure the memories you have from the past thirteen years are memorable, as well. If there is one thing I hope all of us can agree on, it is to continue challenging each other to make tomorrow better than today. There will be many opportunities for your student to grow and learn in the future, and I hope the experiences they have had at EHS will help them realize that when things don’t go as planned, they have the ability to persevere, succeed, and become stronger.

I would like to take one more opportunity to thank you for trusting in me to be your child’s principal this year. Each of your children has inspired and motivated me to do my best for them.

I wish them and you endless happiness as they move into the next chapter of their lives. GO SPARTANS!

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May 30 and 31, 2020

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COVID-19 changes plans, world at large for 2020 graduates

By Adam Blake

adam@emporia.com

While the simple act of flipping the calendar from 2019 to a brand new decade brought a sense of optimism to many across the country — especially among graduating seniors— those feelings quickly became derailed as the year evolved into something unseen in recent memory.

Popping up in late December to very little initial attention from the US media, COVID-19 — known simply at that time as novel coronavirus — began reaching the national conscious on Jan. 20 after the country reported its first case of the virus; coming in a 30-year-old Washington native who had recently traveled to the China’s Wuhan province. Only 10 days later, the World Health Organization declared the virus as a “global health emergency,” something which still seemed to be ignored by many across

the globe, who had thus far seen little to nothing of the disease’s reach. After the first reports of non-Chinese deaths began in early February, similar stories began to trickle out around the world, with the country of Italy serving as an early cautionary tale to many.

On Feb. 29, the first American — this time an elderly patient from the Seattle area — fell victim to COVID-19, sparking a renewed sense of urgency in Washington D.C. to begin developing methods of widespread testing.

Despite all the early signs of COVID-19’s infectivity, the facts surrounding the danger of the virus may not have completely set in for most Americans until March 11, when the National Basketball Association announced it would be cancelling the remainder of its season after one of its players tested positive.

The decision seemed to set off a chain reaction not just in the sports world — with the cancellation of

Sincerely,

Dathan Fischer, Principal

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18 S. Commercial • 343-6411

Serving the Area Since 1949

American sport’s staples such as March Madness and Major League Baseball’s Spring Training — but at large, as many major businesses, organizations and government entities began to take their own precautions to limit the spread of the disease. Just two days later, President Trump officially declared the COVID-19 crisis as a national emergency, declaring his administration would be setting aside billions of dollars in funds and other equipment to combat the virus’ negative financial and health effects.

March 15 brought the CDC’s first official recommendations in the realm of social distancing, limiting public gatherings to no more than 50 people.

As many expected, the guidelines provided a huge obstacle for schools, colleges, and universities across the country, many of which had already been cancelling classes for weeks at a time in order to retain some hope of a normal end

to the academic year. For Kansans, the wait for an official decision on the matter didn’t take long, as on March 17, Gov. Laura Kelly announced the state would be the first in the union to cancel in-person instruction for the remainder of the year.

Since that point, local districts, including their faculty, staff, parents and to the greatest extent, students, have been working to adapt to changes that seemed out of the realm of fiction just a few short months ago. And even though no student envisioned celebrating their final days in high school in isolation, seeing their classmates on a computer screen rather than in-person, there is still a cause for hope — and plenty of accomplishments to celebrate moving forward — as states across the country have begun the slow process of reopening.

The Gazette has included a few of those stories below:

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May 30 and 31, 2020

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SENIOR REFLECTIONS

For the Class of 2020, senior year was anything but normal

By Ryann Brooks

brooks@emporia.com

When the Class of 2020 walked into their high schools for the first time last August, they had no idea their high school careers would end in their living rooms, kitchens or bedrooms. Instead of celebrating the last day of school with their friends with hugs and high-fives, and saying goodbye to their favorite teachers, they were left with video Landis chats and text messages.

It was an unexpected end to what should have been the pinnacle of high school memories.

For LeAnn Landis, who attended Northern Heights High School, the pandemic threw her entire high school experience into disarray. She was an exceptionally involved student — on top of taking on the role of the girls’ basketball manager, Landis participated in track and field, volleyball and color guard, and was active in the National Honor Society, Student Council, Science Club and the senior citizens dinner.

“My senior year changed a lot after the pandemic,” Landis said, noting that stay-at-home orders kept her sheltering with her family and continuing her schoolwork online. The virtual learning experience took some time to get used to, but she managed to make the best of it.

“I guarantee you that my teachers will agree with me when I say we all struggled together and agreed it just wasn’t the same as in person classes,” she said. “What really helped me with navigating the virtual learn-

ing waters was making a list of which classes I had on which day and what time I had them. To me online learning isn’t the same as in person classes, but hey, I did it and survived.”

Landis missed seeing her friends every day and seeing the teachers and staff that had kept her motivated and gave her support throughout her high school career.

“During this pandemic I found out it is just not the same having to see your Hollenbeck best friend through the other side of a computer screen than in person,” she said. “Nothing beats sitting beside your best friends at lunch laughing your heads off at some stupid joke that someone made or complaining about having to go to that one class that we seemed to dread.”

And, Landis said she was feeling sad about the missed opportunities and experiences.

“There were things I realized I would never get to do one last time, such as throwing shot and disk in track and field or competing in regional and state Envirothon,” she said. “What hurt the most was never getting to do those last things as a senior, such as pulling off what would have been an amazing senior prank, participating in Senior Skip Day, and walking across that stage on May 16. Our superintendent did promise our senior class that we will get to have our senior prom and we will have a graduation ceremony — just at a later date in time.”

Landis will be attending Fort Hays State University in the fall, where she will pursue a major in animal science and a minor

in agribusiness. She will also be part of the FHSU Color Guard Team and marching with the FHSU Tiger Marching Band.

She hopes to pursue a career in breeding and genetics working with either cattle or horses.

Caleb Hollenbeck, who attended Emporia High School, said the pandemic took away opportunities for him as well.

“My senior year had lots of events either canceled or moved online,” he said.

“I missed out Stutesman on interesting capstone classes like glassblowing. I also missed out on my final season of running distance events in track like the 1 mile, 2 mile, and steeplechase. I was also looking forward to senior prom and spending time with friends.”

While he was able to make the most of his online class experiences, Hollenbeck said having to miss out on the hands-on classes like glassblowing and physics was a disappointment.

He also felt like there was less material that his teachers were able to cover virtually, giving him a bigger appreciation for his education.

“There is less material teachers could cover, so it felt like I was missing out on schooling,” he said. “To me, this experience has taught me how valuable teachers and classmates are to learning.”

Hollenbeck will attend the University of Missouri and study mechanical or electrical engineering.

Madison High School graduate Amber Stutesman said the pandemic upended all of her plans for the end of her high

school career.

Stutesman was involved in the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, FFA and student council.

She was also preparing to go on a conference trip. It also put her high school athletics career on hold.

Stutesman played volleyball and was a member of the track and field team. That first Monday after Spring Break in March would have been the team’s first Williams track practice of the season.

“We didn’t get to do that,” she said, adding that the realization that she would not get to participate in track was devastating. “I was really disappointed about that because this year I had a really good chance of going to state. Another thing that went through my head was, ‘What are they going to do about graduation?’”

Stutesman said the high school took good care of the seniors in that regard. She missed the social connections with her friends and her teachers the most while she was finishing out the school year at home.

“Being able to talk and joke throughout the day, I think that’s probably the thing I missed the most about it,” she said.

Stutesman will attend Kansas State University this fall where she plans to major in Agriculture Education and animal science.

She hopes to pursue a career as an ag teacher or an extension agent.

Schyler Schmidt, also a Madison High School graduate, said the realization that her senior year was changing

was “heartbreaking.”

“It never really felt like it was real for a while,” she said.

“As time went by, it got a little sad but you know to never take anything for granted later. All of our senior year — ‘senioritis,’ senior softball season, senior prom and graduation — all of that go t r i p p e d away from us.

And we really didn’t get a chance to say our goodbyes.”

Still, it gave her an op portunity to bond a little more with her Skirvin teachers in new ways.

“I think bonds were made even more through virtual learning,” she said. “We had to be creative and think outside the box and that might not have happened if we were inside the classroom.”

Schmidt will be attending Emporia State University where she will major in elementary education and minor in leadership.

Fellow Madison graduate Taylor Williams said she was also “heartbroken.”

“I just thought it was crazy that our whole school life was over,” she said. “We always thought 2020 was such a cool year to graduate. It all just fell apart and it wasn’t as good as we thought it was going to be.”

Williams said she was thankful that Madison High School handled the switch to virtual learning well, but she missed seeing her friends and her teachers.

“I missed talking to my teachers about real life stuff and not just school,” she said.

Please see 2020, Page 8

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May 30 and 31, 2020

EMPORIA HIGH 2020 GRADUATES

Acuna-Linares, Roxanna Aguirre, Kimmy Alvarado, Gisselle Alvarez, Erik Ambriz, Moncerrat Antonio, Dayana Antonio Cruz, Elias Arevalo, Cindy Arguello, Addison Arndt III, Rodger Arriola, Alvin Ayala, Christian Bach, Bao Bair, Derek Banuelos, Aaliyah Barker, Curtis Barnett, Riley Barrandey, Abraham Barrandey, Adrian Barron, Lorena Batchelder, Faith Baumgardner, Beau Baysinger, Brooklyn Beatty, Skyler Bedolla, Mirleni Bedolla, Adrian Benedict, John Biggs, Logan Boettcher, Kelsey Bradford, Adaline Bradley, Grace Breshears, Rayanna Bryson, Leon Cahoone, Wyatt Calderon, Isabel Calderon, Anthony Campoverde Arizabal, David Castanon, Johnny Castillo, Yeraldin Catacho Hernandez, Francisco Cervantes, Ashley Chaparro, Alexis Chapman, Mya Chavez, Isayah Coffman, Kylyn Collins, Dominic Conrade, Haven Contreras, Alex Cooper, Hannah Coria, Alan Crank, Isabella Crowell, Taylor Crowell, Ethan Crowley, Savanna Cruz, Cesar Cruz-Mercer, Alexander Cushenbery, Isaac Dao, Carol

Darey, Jeremiah Darling-Andrews, Abeni Davis, April Davis, Drue Deere, Avery Diaz, Alexis Dold, Kamryn Douglas, Skyler Dyer, Zoe Engberg, Taylor Ervin, TeShawn Esparza, Giovanny Evans, Donald Evans, Marcus Ewing, Cheyenne Fabela, Harvey Fierro, Anthony Fierro, Luisa Figueroa, Christopher Flack, Gavin Flores-Rodriguez, Karla Foraker, Brayden Francis, Nolan Funan, Janla Galindo, Jose Garcia, Angel Garcia, Jacob Garcia, Steven Garcia, Angel Garcia, Ryan Garcia, Brianna Gardner, Rylie Gillenwater, Jayden Godfrey, Shellbe Goekler, Isaac Gomez, Edith Gonzales, Arturo Gonzalez, Oscar Gonzalez, Neri Goodrich, Cheyenne Gordon, Megan Goulden, Devin Granillo Lopez, Humberto Grayson, Conner Grayson, Cole Grover, Olivia Guevara, Karime Guillen, Ruben Gutierrez, Jazmin Halfmann, Hunter Hall II, Whitney Hamlin, Olivia Hammond, Anyssa Hanson, Carlene Hart, Kaylen Hartman Williamson, Chelsea Hauff, Connor Hayden, Ian

Additional facts: The class of 277 students received $743.923 in scholarship, 66 students graduated with honors and a GPA of 3.75 or higher, 33 students were inducted into the National Honor Society, and 9 students were named Kansas Scholars for having a GPA of 3.9 and scoring a 30 or better on their ACT. Heins, Faith Heller, Jaymz Helms, Phillip Hernandez, Monica Hernandez, Vanesa Hernandez, Karla Herrarte, Alejandrina Hibler, Adison Highley, Trevor Hollenbeck, Caleb Holmes, Tre Honea, Jackson Hopkins, Kena Hoyt, Connor Indermuehle, Kaitlin Jackson, Chloe Jamison, Zachary Jones, Sarah Juarez, Alejandro Juarez, Saira Karjala, Karalyn Karmann, Raven Keosybounheuang, Brandon Keosybounheuang, Anel Keough, Koey Knoll, Leslie Kohlmeier, Cade Kraft, Joshua Landaverde, Wilber Langley, Tamisha Lara, Esmeralda Last_Name, First_Name Lawrence, Isaac Layton, Tristan Leal, Evelyn Lemus, Abraham Leyva, Lessly Leyva, Daniel Llamas, Steven Lopez, Jose Lopez, Nayeli Lopez, Angel Lucena, Monica Madrigal, Yovani Magana, Steven Marin, Veronica Martinez, Edna Martinez, Jordan Martinez, Jessica

Mattas, Samantha McElfresh, Nathan McManaman, Emma Medrano, David Miller, Kinsey Miller, John Mitchell, Nicholas Moore, Markus Morales, Frida Morales Garcia, Angie Moran, Irvin Munoz, Madeline Neal, Darin Negrete, Erin Negrete, Joisy Nguyen, Sandy Nguyen, Aaron Orellana, Bryan Ortiz, Justin Palomares, Adamaris Pardo, Isaiah Patel, Rohan Patino, Esmeralda Pauls, Hayden Pereira, Icela Peroza-Aguirre, Gloria Peters, Kaden Phillips, Isabella Pinon, Deborah Piper, Max Poersch, Daphne Poersch, Nathan Ponce, Breanna

Posada, Isaih Posada, Jazmyne Postlethwaite, Kyle Proehl, Zachary Razo Morales, Leslie Redeker, Payten Reyes, Tatiana Reyes Ambriz, Briza Rice, James Rodriguez, Esperanza Rosales, Andrew Rosas, Metzli Roshail, Ahmad Ruffin, Lindsey Ruiz, Cristopher Ruiz, Samantha Saavedra, Jessica Saldana Gutierrez, Tania Saldana Santacruz, Jesus Sanchez, Nicholas Sandoval, Carlos Sandoval, Tania Santillana, Oscar Scheve, Gentry Schmid, Caleb Seeley, Sophia Senne, Josiah Shaw, Olivia Siepelmeier, Kimberlyn Simpson, Lydia Slayden, Reed Sotelo, Alan Sotelo, Melanie Sperka, Kaitlyn Stephens, Trenton Stevens, Alexus Stratmeyer, Chloe Stuart, Taylor Stutler, Jacob Sullivan, Taylor Tebbetts, Laci Thomas, Paige

Thomas, Quiaunna Thurston-Tabares, Tagan Tibbetts, Tanner Tong, Amy Torella, Greta Torres, Sylas Torres, Krystal Torres, Milagros Tovar, Mya Tovar, Erick Tran, Lindy Treto, Karina Tungjaroenkul, Anisa Turner, Francesca Urban, Dominick Urrutia, Marissa Vazquez, Bryan Vazquez, Diana Velasquez, Ryan Victor, Kianna Villalobos Rodriguez, Santiago Wagner, Riley Watson, Kaylee Weaver, Adina Weeks, Cameron Wells, Gabriel Wendling, Andrew Williams, Rylie Williams, Elijah Willis, Alexander Wilson, Holly Wilson, Michael Winter, Emily Wise, Jacob Witherspoon, Deryk Yackovich, Nikolas Yeager, Autumn Youngberg, Reece Youngblood, Perry Ziek, Benjamin

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FLINT HILLS LEARNING CENTER 2020 GRADUATES Esmeralda Alejo Aeriel Starr Alvarado Sandra Guadalupe Alvarado Jessica Araceli Anders Yasmin A Barcenes Carlos A Bautista Thomas C Beeman Sherry Buck Adam Cole Burnett Luz Canon Marta Isabel Cerritos Avila Nancy Cerritos Sergio Chairez Andrew Christopher Coria Jordy R Cornejo-Campoverde Breahna P Crowley Elizabeth Davis Raul Abram Diaz III Blaize Dodson Norma Esquivel Maria A Godoy Ortiz Martha Guerra

Kadin Handley-Gisneros Angel Sue Rayne Haney Adrianne Harrison Maria G Hernandez Rocha Sara Hernandez Jordan Hill Isabele Jolene Miles Guadalupe Murillo Christine A. Newman Jessica A Noonan Kelvyn Manuel Ortiz Martinez Marisa Pahuamba

Vimalarogini Paramanathan Amanda Patterson Jaden Payne Jovan Pecina Luis Pecina Dalia Pineda Lorena Quezada Jamie Raygoza Flor Romo-Koy Elijah Rowley Vicente Saavedra Alfredo Manuel Sanoval Esperanza Rita-Dominga Sandoval Heather Sandoval Jeremy V Scott Alexis Mercedes Smith Monica Torres-Ochoa Hailey Renee Westcott Brendan Casey Robinson

EHS Class of 2020

May 30 and 31, 2020

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Connor W. Hoyt

Hannah Cooper

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Craig Hoyt and Tammy Corum

Jesse and Jamie Cooper

Connor, follow your dreams.

We are proud of you!

Our support and love always.

We are celebrating you and your accomplishments!

Love ya, Mom, Dad and Little Sister

Gabriel Wells EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Son of Wesley and Andrea

Trevor Highley EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Jennifer Highley

The skies the limit!

Love, Mom, Dad and family

I am so proud of you!

Always follow your dreams!

An do it your way!

Love Mom and Jon

Gentry Scheve

Cade Kohlmeier

So proud of you and all of your accomplishments!

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Francis and Lisa Scheve

Ryan and Tyla Kohlmeier

Gentry, you did it! We are proud of you! Good Luck at Nebraska.

Go Big Red!

We are so proud of you and excited to see God’s great plans for you unfold.

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May 30 and 31, 2020

EHS CLASS OF 2020

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Anel Keosybounheuang

Brandon Keosybounheuang

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Jon and Laura Breshears

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Jennifer Highley

Congratulations! We are excited for your next chapter in life, Love, Dad, Mom, Bronté, Brady, Kiernan.

Onsey and Julieta Keosybounheuang

Jacqueline Lafuente and Onesy Keosybounheunag

Can’t wait to see what you conquer next.

Love Grandma, Grandpa, and Grandma Cathy

Rayanna Breshears

Skyler Douglas EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

We’re so lucky to have you in our life. Your parents are so proud of you

Megan Gordon EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Bryan and Lori Douglas

Scott and Rhonda Gordon

“Keep your light bright for others to see and follow.” You make us proud everyday!

We are proud of you! Good Luck at K-State. Your future is bright.

Love Always! Mom and Dad

Perry Youngblood EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

John and Jessica Schenkel and William and Jennifer Youngblood We are so proud of all of your accomplishments. We love you.

Good luck at ESU!

You did it! Wishing you the best in this new chapter of your life #proudofyou

Andrew Rosales EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Cade Kohlmeier

Esperanza Rodriguez EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Matt Rodriguez and Jennifer Rivera-Noonan Everyone is so proud of you!

Good luck at ESU, Stingers up!

Taylor Crowell

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Ryan and Tyla Kohlmeier

Amanda Pock and Dustin Crowell

We are so proud of you!

Good luck at WSU!

So very proud of you, Cade!

Our love and God’s best!

Papa and Nana Hinkson

Congrats! Prayers for much success and joy ahead.

We are so proud of you!

Jeremiah 29:11

Nathan McElfresh

Haven Conrade

Jesus and Jackie Rosales

Chloe Jackson

Whitney Hall

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Whitney and Tara Hall

Whitney and Tara Hall and Alysha and Daniel Jernigan

Dream big and then bigger!

We are proud and love you so much!

Trevor Highley

Dream big and then bigger!

We are proud and love you so much!

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

David and Shelli McElfresh

Floyd Conrade and Becky Hayes

We are so proud of you!

The best is yet to come!

We love you!

Congratulations and good luck at ESU! Your future awaits with each open door.

Mom and Dad

May 30 and 31, 2020

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EHS CLASS OF 2020

Caleb Drew Schmid EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Beau Dawson Baumgardner

Payten Redeker

Logan Biggs

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Hunter Hayden Halfmann

Bruce and Kim Schmid

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Dave and Ginger Redeker

Darren and Pam Biggs

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Good luck at Rockhurst.

You can do anything you put your heart into.

We love you!

Brett and Becky Baumgardner

“We are proud of you and all your accomplishments! Good Luck at ESU! Love Dad, Mom, Morgan and Logan

This part is finished.

Now, a new beginning.

We wish you the very best!

Cassie and Jason Heffron; Shane and Katherine Halfmann

Mya Tovar

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Sam and Lori Tovar We are so proud of you!

We know you will do great at UT Tyler!

We are proud of you and all of your high school accomplishments.

Good luck at Barton!

Abeni DarlingAndrews EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Amber Darling and Sinjin Andrews Congratulations Abeni. We are so proud of your accomplishments.

We love you, Mom and Dad.

Deryk Witherspoon

John Miller

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Kelsey A. Boettcher EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

So proud of you! Can’t wait to see what you do at Cowley College!

Isayah Chavez

Donald Lee Evans

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Arnold and Tracy Chavez

Sandra Evans

“We are so proud of you, Kelsey!

Enjoy the journey as you begin your next adventure!”

Say we love you beyond forever and are so proud of you. Good luck on CCC Cheer Squad.

I’m so proud of you.

I can’t wait to see what your future holds.

Love Mom

Andrew Hart Wendling

Annie Harrison

Sophia Lena Seeley

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Pam Harrison

Samuel and Leslie Seeley

Congratulations!

We love you to the moon and back!

Love, Mom and Caroline

EHS was great and ESU will be even better!

Enjoy every moment!

Love, Mom and Dad

Bruce and Carrie Boettcher

Mark and Justine Witherspoon

Jason and Erica Miller

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Congratulations Deryk!

We are so proud of you!

All our Love, Dad, Mom, Dayne and Family

We are so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments!

Love, Mom, Dad, Hayden and Paige.

Brian and Jenny Wendling We are so PROUD of you Andrew!

Good Luck at ESU!!

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May 30 and 31, 2020

EHS CLASS OF 2020

TeShawn Ervin

Kaylen Hart

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Michael Ervin and Mandy Rice, Misty Henderson

Britton and Lisa Hart

Congratulations TeShawn, your perseverance paid off! We are so very proud of you! We love you!

2020

Always remember that you can do anything you put your mind to!

Love, Mom and Dad

was mourning the end of seasons and missed conferences and meetings.

From PAGE 3 She plans to attend ESU this fall where she is leanWilliams was also in- ing toward majoring in volved in a lot of activi- education. ties, including sports, and Hartford High School

Samantha Mattas EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Ray and Becky Mattas Congratulations on your graduation!

We are excited to watch your success at cosmetology school!

graduate Tyler Skirvin said at first, he didn’t want to believe that schools would really be closed. When the decision was made, Skirvin said the worst part of it for him was the inability

Rylie Williams

Cameron Weeks

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Jason and Jennifer Williams

Robert and Tina Weeks

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined. We love you!

We are so proud of you!

Good luck at K-State.

Love Mom and Dad.

to see his friends each day.

“Not being able to go talk to my friends and my classmates — that was the worst part of it,” he said, adding that while he was able to check in

with people via texts and phone calls, it wasn’t the same. “Goofing off in class was another thing I missed. You can’t really do that with e-learning. I wouldn’t dedicate myself as a class clown but I was

a goofball.”

Skirvin said he will be attending ESU this fall where he plans to major in criminology and minor in psychology. He would like to pursue a career in law enforcement.

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INSIDE SCOOP

HIGH SCHOOL STAFFS RECOGNIZE CLASS OF 2020

Lyon County high school seniors were presented with a unique set of challenges as they concluded their secondary education. While the timing of the situation and the students’ rapid development of adaptability makes every 2020 graduating class unique, here is insight from teachers, counselors and administrators about what truly makes their respective graduating classes distinctive.

tire class celebrates that accomplishment with gusto,” Counselor Janella Newton said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a small or a huge accomplishment, they are very supportive of one another always.”

The Madison Class of Lebo High School 2020 is ready to take on The Lebo Class of 2020 the world.

is described as “bright, forward-thinking individuals who will succeed in life,” according to English teacher Kelcey Lamer.

“This class has two Rudd Scholars, two 4-H Ambassadors; many scholarships earned; and many, many achievements in and out of the classroom and on the field/court, too numerous to mention,” Lamer said.

The students have achieved a great deal for being young, and “they have so much to offer the world,” Lamer said.

“They have spent many hours in my classroom discussing concepts, talking about life and the lessons it teaches, learning from each other, and teaching me as I taught them,” she said.

“They are brilliant individuals who I have been lucky to teach.”

She will miss the striking conversations she and her students had. They were gifted at communicating their ideas, beliefs and perspectives and had wonderful stories to share.

Not only are they individually impressive. They are impressive as a community among themselves.

“The Lebo Senior Class of 2020 is unique in the way that they are all so very different but yet, when one has an accomplishment, the en-

Madison High School Madison High School celebrates 18 graduates in this year’s senior class.

A good portion of these students have spent their lives together, so far. They have grown up and gone through the school system together, only parting ways now.

“It seems like they’re more of a family than friends or even classmates,” Secretary Kaci Crooks said.

“Even though they might not all get along, they’re always very supportive of each other.”

Ending in this way was not ideal for them, but they maintained their positivity.

Crooks said this experience has strengthened that bond, rather than whittled it.

MHS Principal Stuart Moeckel said what makes this year’s seniors unique is how they have modeled resiliency for the entire community and beyond.

“They’ve done a phenomenal job of fighting through this challenge, understanding that to be resilient you have to show courage and the faith to carry on with those challenges,” he said. “I think they have taught us that although

there are a lot of things that example.”

Prior to the pandemic, are out of our control, sometimes all you have to do is they were looking forward take the step up and lead by to the “banner moments”

Enrollment

of their senior year. Having the world truly make these those stripped away and be- seniors, as well as seniors ing presented with a new USD 284 Chase County Schools Please see Staff, Page 11 set of challenges for facing August 10, 7:00 am-7:00 pm August 11, 8:00 am-12:00 pm

Chase County Class of 2020 K-12 Enrollment at Chase County Junior-Senior High School

Chase County Junior-Senior High School 620-273-6354 Chase County Elementary 620-273-6676

JOIN US ON A JOURNEY TO SUCCESS • Low Enrollment Fees • Low Student/Teacher ratio • One to One Technology Initiatives • Successful activities and athletics • Receive a quality education in a www.thurstonsplusautobody.com small town atmosphere • Project Based Learning at CCES

Seth Brittain

USD 284

Rylee Coy Riley DeCou Makenzie Higgs Landry Hinkson Evelyn Jahnke Cory Johnson Aubria Kair

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Cael Budke

Bailey Goodell

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Rylee Coy

Chase County Schools

CHASE COUNTY JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL

Dave and Loni Heinen We are so proud of you!

Good luck at K-State! Love, Mom, Dave, Grandma and PaPa

Madison Kinkaid Tanner Koch

348 Broadway, Cottonwood Falls 273-6325

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Ally Larkin Cece Lockmiller Maggie Matz

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Gwen and Nate Runde • Telephone: (620) 273-6311 • 201 Cherry Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845 • bbafh@hotmail.com • www.brown-benette-alexander.com

Kloe Nevins Wyatt Reyer Nicholas Rogers Madilyn Smedra Morgan Spinden Seth Steele Caleb Stout Shea Tyrrell Laken Vandergrift Jayce Wessel Shaye West

Landry Hinkson CHASE COUNTY JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL

So very proud of you, Landry!

Our love and God’s best!

Papa and Nana Hinkson

Madison Wisdom

Cottonwood Falls Office: 305 Broadway, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845 • Rick Griffin, Broker (620) 273-6421 • 1-866-273-6421 • Fax (620) 273-6425

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navigate their paths forward. She expects to continue hearing about their lives as they stay connected From PAGE 10 with family and friends in the community. It is also not uncommon everywhere this year, stand apart. for MHS alumni to reach out to Overall, Crooks said it has been their high school teachers for help exciting to watch these students with their college programs.

Mallory C. Kueser

Aubrey Hammond

OLPE HIGH SCHOOL

OLPE HIGH SCHOOL

OLPE HIGH SCHOOL

Michael and Janice Smith

Craig and Carrie Kueser

Congratulations Andrew!

We Love You! Mom, Dad, Kylee, Jenna and Levi

Congratulations Mallory!

We are very proud of you!

Good luck at ESU! Love, Mom, Dad and Connor

Beth and Rick Ginter, Chip Hammond

Ethan William Baker Hannah Joy Beck Neleh Elaine Davis Jenna Lynn Dieker Joel Christian Dieker Noah Lane Fell Jassenia Angel Garcia Chance William Garriott Aubrey Elizabeth Hammond

Colbren Lee Hoelting Mallory Claire Kueser Tyler Parnell Wylie Dean Redeker Hayden Dean Rhodes Andrew Paul Smith Dawson Noah Soyez Jacob Adam Swanson Heather Ann Swogar Seth Robert Wright

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“We wish you the best of luck She would like to tell the seniors how proud she is of them and wherever your path may take you, how excited she is to watch them and you can always come home,” Moeckel reminds the seniors. move forward.

“What I’ll miss about this class is seeing them every day,” MoeckHartford High School el said. Watching them grow has Principal Doug Hes said the created a lifetime of memories.

Olpe Class of 2020

Andrew Smith

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Aubrey, we love you to the moon… and back. Now go move some mountains!

Best Wishes to the 2020 Graduates!

Jim and Farah Ferguson 505 S. Commercial St., Emporia Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

TIRES • AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICAL SERVICES 3 W. hwy 99 • Olpe, Kansas 620-475-3333 M-F 7:30-6 | Sat 7:30 -1

15 seniors this year have a variety of skills that compliment one another nicely.

“We pride ourselves at USD 251 and Hartford to put out a complete student, an overall wellPlease see Staff, Page 12

OLPE STATE BANK See Kevin Flott, Nancy Wells, Ashley Drake or Shelly Rhodes for all of your lending needs

202 Westphalia • Olpe, KS Phone: 620-475-3213 Fax: 620-475-3210 www.olpestatebank.com

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Member FDIC

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Olpe High School

Hartford Class of 2020 are ready for the beach.

STAFF From PAGE 11 rounded student,” he said, adding that the this year’s class is especially unique for its resiliency and grit.

Hes said the school puts students first, meaning students are provided with opportunities for professional development in their areas of interest. This includes interning with Crosswinds and the bank or spending time in the elementary school classroom.

“Rather than complain, they took [this semester] in stride and made the best of it,” he said. “They’re a great group of kids, and I’m going to miss them.”

Graduates will be attending a multitude of post-secondary institutions. Hes feels these students will be uniquely qualified for handling pressures in the future because of their ability to handle pressure in the present moment.

“I think that this class will be able to navigate the uncertainty that we have, going forward,” he said. “I’m confident that no matter what setbacks they might have, they can find their way around them.”

This class of seniors holds a special place in Hes’ heart, as they all started their time at Hartford High School at the same time.

Hes said he has good memories of each of the students and that each of them have a special place for him in his career. “To me, they’ll always be a part of my Jaguar family,” he said.

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ficult to simply go home and leave an unfinished season.

“I had no idea at the time it would be the last time our team would be together ... in person,” she said. “School was shut down about a week later.”

Richard-Davis’ favorite activity as a counselor “is helping prepare each student for their next step in their journey.”

Olpe High School’s 18 graduates--the smallest class the high school has seen-have experienced a range of world crises during their time in school. With events ranging from 9/11 to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Counselor Carolyn Richard-Davis said these students have not only been resilient as they learn about the world and themselves but also fearless in the hard work they do in the classroom and outside of school.

“Most of these students began and ended their education in Olpe,” Principal Shane Clark said. With a wide range of personalities, this was a fun group to watch grow into fine young men and women.”

Clark said the students have adapted well during this time and expects them to hold onto that skill into the future.

“They just roll right thru life’s tough times, actually much better than us adults, and meet every challenge life has thrown at them,” Richard-Davis said. “The class of Olpe 2020 graduates just keep ... grinding.

They aren’t flashy, but they truly are well rounded.”

“While the year could have taken an entirely negative tone, many of our seniors found ways to take advantage of the situation,” Clark said.

“Several found full-time employment, while also finishing up their coursework.”

Clark said teachers also worked Amber Nicole with students to continue helping Stutesman them build their professional netMADISON HIGH SCHOOL works. Students were also encourCorey and Diantha Stutesman Next stop Kansas State University! Always aged to deepen their family relationfollow your heart. We’re proud of you! ships during this time.

Love, Mom and Dad A group that leads by example, Richard-Davis trusts this year’s seniors to be “productive citizens, as they aren’t afraid to fail and try new Auchard, Vance things.”

Bolinger, Sebastian Richard-Davis was celebrating Burress, Malachi the first win of the state basketball Cargill, Hannah tournament with the students when Dye, Hannah they learned the rest of the tournaEnot, Trisha Kian ment would be canceled. It was difErwin, Jennifer Fife, Colton Housh, Rebecca Luthi, Hannah Ramirez, Diana Salender, Melynda Serrer, Lilah Smith, Chelsea Stutesman, Amber Wasson, Nasun Williams, Taylor Young, Logan

The Olpe High School seniors on and off the clock

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Of the 18 graduates, 15 will attend postsecondary institutions, and the other three will transition into the workforce and other life callings.

“Their scholarship achievements were amazing for such a small group,” RichardDavis said. “Again, the result of working Please see Staff, Page 13

Madison Class of 2020 Autobody: (620) 342-2613 www.thurstonsplusautobody.com

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City of Madison Enjoy the great city of Madison City Hall 225 West Main • 620-437-2556

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Emporia High School

From PAGE 12 hard to achieve scholarships.”

Sometimes the seniors would gather in RichardDavis’ classroom over lunch to socialize.

“I loved just listening to their stories and experiences,” she said. “Through those conversations, I could tell they really cared for each other.”

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Emporia High School Principal Dathan Fischer said this year’s seniors are “clearly different than those who have come before them.”

“Growing up in a world full of technology and now having to end their high school career in a virtual manner wasn’t expected at all,” he said. “This class stands out for many reasons

but most importantly they have shown independence, self-confidence, autonomy and acceptance of others like I have never seen before.”

The EHS Class of 2020 displays its values of loyalty and motivation to make every tomorrow better through things like hosting blood drives and being competitive on the fields/courts and in the classroom.

Most importantly, right Please see Staff, Page 15

Northern Heights Class of 2020

Arb, Justin S Arens, Sophia E Bailey, Taj M Brammell, Gabriel A Burton, Kaylee J Coe, Cheyenne L Davis, Nataleigh R Delgado, Landon H Elbert, Courtney M Floyd, Tyler W Gilbert, Emily R Hall, Southern B Heiman, Cameron J Hines, Aleah I Hunter, Kermit A Landis, LeAnn Marcotte, Michael L Massey, Khylee B Meyers, Joseph T Miller, Katie Orender, Weston Paige, Morgan-Rae Phillips, Myra J Potter, Amber M Preisner, Stewart-Tee Redelfs, Taylor J Sparks-Thomas, Debra K Sull, Kylee N White, Malinda L Wilson, Andrea R

Cameron Heiman

Skyler Arb

NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL

NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL

Phillipans 4:13 The sky is the limit.

You make us proud.

Love Grandma and Grandpa Stewart

Congratulations and good luck with your future plans. We’re proud of you. Love Grandma and Grandpa Stewart

City of Reading Congratulation to all the area graduates!

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Hartford Class of 2020

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116 Congress Hartford (620)____ 392-5523 2608 W. 12th Emporia (620) 208-6181

Schyler Schmidt HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Chris and Amy Sull Congratulations!

Here’s to the next chapter and all that it holds! We love you!

Mom and Dad

Lindsay Rae Torrens HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Brandon Sapp HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Marlan and Amanda Torrens

Ed and Rhonda Sapp

We are very proud of you.

You have a bright future.

Love Mom, Dad and Trade

Congratulations Buddy!

We are so proud of you and your accomplishments!

City of Hartford 200 Commercial • (620) 392-5513

Proud to Support the Jaguars

Congrats 2020 Grads!

Love Mom, Dad and Bri

Farah Ferguson farah@madeintheshadekansas.com 620-794-6558 mobile • 620-392-5969 office

roy’s Tranys & Auto Repair

Dakota Aye

1025 Industrial Rd. •

Troy Dall

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Bailey Darbyshire

Convenience Store Open 7 Days • 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Jade Jackson Dalton Landis

(620) 392-5577

Xavier McDiffit Gabriel Metcalfe Whitney Pearson Brandon Sapp Schyler Schmidt

Member FDIC

Tyler Skirvin Allison Stithem

Neosho Rapids Lions Club Good Luck in Your Next Chapter!

Cody Thomas Lindsay Torrens Jackson Vaughan

Congrats to the 2020 Graduates!

Keep reaching for the Stars!

HARTFORD COMMUNITY CLUB

www.flinthillsbank.com

Best Wishes to the 2020 Graduates!

Jim and Farah Ferguson 505 S. Commercial St., Emporia Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Best of Luck Class of 2020!!

Neosho Rapids Community Projects

Hartford Class of 2020

May 30 and 31, 2020

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STAFF From PAGE 13

Bailey Darbyshire HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL

now, is the graduates’ ability to adapt.

“This class has always welcomed change and they have embraced and made the most out of our current situation and world pandemic,” Fischer said. “Their experiences prior to their senior year helped shape who they currently are, and I know each of them will continue to express and challenge themselves to reach their personal ambitions.”

Dakota W. Aye HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Kevin and Emily Darbyshire

Brandi Aye

We are so proud of you!

Good luck at Kansas State University. Love Dad, Mom and Regan.

We are proud of you!

Good luck at Butler County!

Love Mom, Papa, Grammy, and Shawn

Chase County High School

Darbyshire Farms Congratulations HHS Graduates,

Best of Luck in the Future!

The Chase County Class of 2020 functions like a family, too, in the way they are simultaneously “extremely tight knit” and “extremely competitive with one another,” Academic Counselor and class sponsor Stacia Barrett said.

The bright group of students is

(620) 343-0663 125 N. Ogden, Lebo Lauren Suzanne Williams Alexandria Marie Wurm

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both physically and academically competitive, even provoking “a race to see who could turn in their scholarship applications first,” Barrett said.

The competitiveness may be rooted in the students’ desire to be the best they can be. They are “kind beyond any other class,” and “are always the first to jump up and volunteer to help raise money for a cause or send a thoughtful gift to show their teachers they care,” Barrett said.

When floods and viruses hit a small town, the effect can either be detrimental or call the community to action, and the seniors follow the latter.

“The kids have been through a flood and a pandemic at the height of their academic careers and haven’t batted an eyelash,” Barrett said.

“I will miss their humor and work ethic most of all,” she said.

“There was never a dull moment in class meetings. CCHS will sincerely miss the Class of 2020!”

Lebo Class of City of Lebo Lebo, Ks. (620) 256-6622 2020 Rebekah Lynne Charboneau Quintin Rylie Combes Jadin Lynn Crouch Cali Lynn Doudna Sage Loren Edelman Jordan Alexandria Ford Colby Ray Knight Kaden Lee Ott Avery Roy Peek Hannah Marie Proehl John Elwin Reese Melanie Mae Reeves Alexander Lee Sage Levi Dean Schaefer Kaden Brady Schroeder Sarah Abigail Sergeant Mackenzie Lynn Smith Logan MaKay Swartz Adelyn Grace Tackitt Wyatt Oren Weiss

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Burlington Class of 2020

Carlee Broyles

BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

Susan and Darrell Wilson

We are all so proud of you and your accomplishments while pushing through dyslexia! Good luck with your future in Criminal Psychology at Ottawa University! We know you will kill it in Women’s Wrestling there. Love Mom, Darrell, Chrissy, Erin, Mitchell and JT

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Lebo Booster Club Go Wolves!

Tri-County Real Estate, Lebo Carmen Y. Mackey, Broker/Owner 620-256-6993 or cell 620-341-0838

Perry Ott, agent

620.342.1313 cell 620.341.2029 Perry.Ott@fbfs.com 2606 West 12th Ave. Emporia, KS 66801

Miller Concrete Construction Basements - Foundations - All Flatwork Needs Shawn Miller (620) 343-0717 • (620) 256-6817 Home

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Lauren Williams LEBO HIGH SCHOOL

Dave and Dawn Williams We are proud of you and wish you nothing but success!

Uncle RD and Aunt Cindy Linsey

J o n e s Va n a r s da l e Funeral Home 202 W. Main, Madison • Phone (620) 437-2081 6th & Pine, Lebo • (620) 256-6522

Proud of the Lebo Class of 2020!

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May 30 and 31, 2020