St. Elmo High School holds Class of 2023 graduation

By Mark Hoskins

St. Elmo High School sent off their class of 2023 with a graduation ceremony on May 13.

The 39 graduating seniors walked out in the processional while the school band performed “Pomp and Circumstance.” 

A welcome address was delivered by salutatorian Sydney Stine. The speech was very well delivered despite her claims of having ‘written the whole thing the night before.’

Seniors who received academic honors (GPA above 3.5) were honored. Those receiving academic honors were: Olivia Baker, Laney Baldrige, Damen Connour, Marissa Dennis, Wyatt Forbes, Collin Hannagan, Natalie Hoopingarner, Gavin Koontz, Avery Myers, Addy Putnam, Kyra Russell, Gabrielle Shelton, Lydia Smith, Sydney Stine, Teresa Viramontes, and Colton Ward.

Several scholarships were then awarded.

Teresa Viramontes was awarded the Southwestern Electrical Cooperative Scholarship.

Dylan Dial, Lane Goodwin, Collin Hannagan, Sydney Stine, and Wyatt each received the St. Elmo FFA Alumni Scholarship.

The Dodson Family Scholarship was awarded to Teresa Viramontes, Wyatt Stine, and Laney Baldrige.

Olivia Baker, Sydney Stine, and Laney Baldrige each received the Karen Rhodes Memorial Scholarship.

The Richard Laue Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Wyatt Stine, who also received the Ina Abendroth Scholarship.

Wyatt Forbes won the St. Elmo Oil Producers Scholarship.

The St. Elmo Education Foundation scholarship was presented to Kyra Russell.

Following a presentation of the class by Superintendent Travis Portz, High School Principal Brian Garrard called the graduates names as Board of Education President Kevin Maxey handed the students their diplomas.

Olivia Baker then gave a speech as the class valedictorian. 

Following a video presentation of the class, Wyatt Forbes, class president, delivered the charge to the class.

The SEHS class of 2023 then tossed their caps in the air to celebrate.

Congratulations to the St. Elmo High School Class of 2023.