Area veterans and their teenage guardians from Lyndon and Central Heights high schools take a moment at the World War II Memorial during their tour last week of Washington memorials as part of Honor Flight 17.

By Cleon Rickel

On Merle Marsh’s last flight to Washington, D.C., he was in the back of a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress.

“I was there once during the war,” Marsh, of Carbondale, Kan., said. “We were the crew of the week, so we got to fly into Washington.”

His return to Washington occurred June 5, when he flew in the front of another Boeing aircraft, this time a commercial 737 jetliner.

Marsh was one of three World War II veterans who were flown to Washington by Honor Flight 17, organized by high school students at Lyndon High School and Central Heights High School.

Marsh’s son-in-law, Don Forbes, also of Carbondale, and a Vietnam-era veteran, accompanied him on the flight.

Marsh went into the U.S. Army Air Force in 1944 and was trained to be a tailgunner in the large four-engine bombers in Florida. The war in Germany ended before he was assigned combat missions.

“We flew four hours every other day,” he recalled.

Being a tailgunner was just a shade less dangerous than being in the ball turret in the belly of the big bombers. To get to the two 50-caliber machines in the tail of the bomber, the tailgunner had to crawl into a tight, cold and drafty space and sit on what amounted to a bicycle-type seat in a kneeling position and leaning forward on his chest parachute.

“It was a little scary but after the first time back there, it isn’t bad,” Marsh said.

The tailgunners had to be alert for fast, nimble enemy airplanes roaring up behind their bombers.

To prepare them for the speedy German Messerschmitt and Focke-Wulf fighters, the tailgunners would train on Jeeps with shotguns attached at the back. As the Jeeps bounced along at 20 miles as hour or so, clay pigeons would be launched at or behind them.

Though it was Marsh’s second trip to Washington, it was the first for his son-in-law Forbes.

“The whole trip is awesome,” Forbes said. “It’s geared for the veterans but it’s nice to see a lot of young people. It’s heartening to see young people take such an interest.”

Lyndon High School Class of 2017. Photo by Bill Patterson.

With two valedictorians and a salutatorian in Lyndon High School’s 2017 graduating class, spectators at last Sunday’s graduation ceremony were treated to a three-man tag team of graduation speeches. Tagged as second speaker, Salutatorian Trystan Pringle said planning the speeches with valedictorians Cody Anschutz and Daniel Pine included consultation with LHS Principal Brad Marcotte.

“Mr. Marcotte must have watched ‘A Christmas Carol’ because Cody was assigned the past, I the present, and Daniel the future,” Pringle said.

As first up to the podium and true to his part, Anschutz reflected on 13 years at Lyndon schools and “spoke about all of the awesome memories our class has made,” as Pringle later said.

Anschutz also reflected on how the class’ school experiences helped form them as students.

“Entering high school hit us like a ton of bricks,” Anschutz said. “We had this really mean guy bossing us around and trying to scare us. Yes, Mr. Marcotte, that was you, but I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for us over the past four years.”

Anschutz also thanked “the great group of teachers that helped keep us in line,” and all of his 26 fellow classmates.

“Although I may not be the most qualified person in this group to give advice, my final piece of wisdom for you is this,” he said, “regardless of your past experiences at Lyndon High School over the past few years we have shaped each other, for better or for worse, into strong, capable individuals. Try to remember each other for how they are now.”

When tagged, Pringle talked about working to come up with a speech about the present “that would really stick with you. I wanted it to be special to each individual person.” Then he admitted to his secret passion for poetry, and showed his poetic talent with a rap song about each of his classmates.

Pringle’s rapping ended with a thank you to “pretty much anyone who showed up to bid the class of 2017 a farewell.”

“There’s like a thousand of you here … in essence you are what shaped our graduating class of 2017 and gave us the keys to our own success,” he said.

Tagged to talk about the future, Pine offered that regardless of the students’ successes or failures in the past, as graduates they were embarking on a new beginning.

“The opportunities are unlimited, so don’t let your performance in high school affect your future,” Pine said. “At this point, we all have a clean slate, and our decisions will determine our future.”

He advised classmates that only they can measure their own success, and it doesn’t matter what someone else thinks.

“At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is the person in the mirror, so don’t let yourself down. Congratulations Class of 2017. It’s been real,” Pine said, tagging Marcotte to present the class for graduation.

Members of the USD 421 Board of Education presented diplomas to the following 2017 graduates of Lyndon High School: Cody Don Anschutz, Kyle James Baker, Marissa Kay Beutel, Lainey Nicole Beyer, Beau David Brecheisen, Dalton Reid Brooker, Rylan Mitchell Burns, Haily Michele Chenoweth, Joseph Payton Dow, Ellie Rae Fischer, Bethanie Genae Gilliland, Morgan Scott Heit, Joseph Edward Heltzel, Taylor Lee House, Serena Lynn Hufford, Colton Garrett Hutchcroft, Jasmine Brooke Kempel, Roger Lee Lane, Kimberly Kathleen Lynn Lister, Chase Alexander Newberry, Rachel Elizabeth Owens, Marina Kathleen Payne, Daniel Louis Pine, Trystan Chance Pringle, Dalas Nichole Roberts, Grace Anne Spencer, Jillian Grace Stanley.

Senior class sponsors are Lori Catron and Teresa Fitch. USD 421 Board of Education members include Robert Knoernschild, president, Lisa Baker, David Brecheisen, Melissa Herdman, Joe Isch, Eric Ratzloff, and Lori Sturdy. Cheryl Cook is superintendent of schools.

2017 BHS graduates throw their hats in the air in celebration. Photo by Keri Welch.

For Burlingame High School valedictorian Alissa Jaynes, graduation from high school served as a signal that life moves fast.

Jaynes told her fellow classmates during the BHS graduation Saturday, May 13, 2017, that as the end of school came near, time had been on her mind: “About how it flies by and how there’s never enough of it. Life comes at us so fast that we don’t always get to appreciate the time that we have, and the people we share our time with,” she said. “So how do we slow down the rush of time, so that we can get some measure of control? The unfortunate answer to that question is, we simply can’t. All we can do is live in the present, look forward to the future, and always remember the fond memories
of the past.”

“We have always dreamed of this day,” Jaynes said, noting all the hard work, effort and help from others it had taken to get to graduation day. To those who helped the students achieve their successes – parents, teachers, school staff, “You’ve supported us on our journey,” she said. “The best way we graduates can show gratitude is to make the most of the opportunity we’ve been given and go forward with the intention of making our community and world a better place for the generations that follow us.”

Alexyss Hamner receiving hug from Bonnie Reavis.

BHS salutatorian James Daniel Quaney also told the graduates they should have gratitude for the reason they were all gathered at the school gymnasium – success.

“Every single one of us that is about to walk across this stage has been successful,” Quaney said. “Through hard work and dedication we have achieved a spectacular accomplishment, making it through high school and graduating. This accomplishment is just one of many we all have obtained thus far in our lives. However, this one is different. When we walk across this stage today and receive our diplomas, we are opening the door to be able to achieve even greater successes.”

But those successes didn’t come without help from others, he said, thanking parents, teachers, school staff and his fellow classmates.

“We have been set up to have success in the future,” Quaney said. “We learned the necessary skills that will allow us to succeed … You equipped us with the knowledge to have success in our futures.”

“High school taught each of us that it doesn’t matter what your vision of success is, that if you work hard enough, and you put forth the effort, you can accomplish anything,” he said. “We are equipped and I am confident that we can go anywhere and do anything in this world.”

With BHS Principal Tammy Baird presenting the class, USD 454 President Kris Kline accepted the class for graduation. USD 454 Board of Education members presented diplomas to Dyllan Peyton Brake, Mason Thomas Brown, Katelyn Beth Droegemeier, Timothy Alan Dunn, Raven Ash Franzen, Quinn Noble Garrett, Alexyss Dawn Marie Hamner, Kylie Marie Hill, Anthony James Hovestadt, Alissa Lanae Jaynes, Kacie Marie Jones, Shannon Gayle Kirwan, Sierra Kay Kirwan, Regan Danielle Lindbloom, Katelynn Marie Linder, Irish Sean Masters, Shaylea Elizabeth Nicole Masters, Harper Calvin Neu, James Daniel Quaney, Darian Kay Summers, Rachael Lynne Swogger, Margaret Elizabeth West, Sabrina Ila-Mae Wright.

Senior class sponsors were Haley Tyson and Linda White.

Family and friends gathered to wish well for the 2017 graduating class of Santa Fe Trail High School. Photo by Brad Shaffer and allsportsdigital.com.

Santa Fe Trail High School valedictorian Nash Muckey told his 61 fellow graduates that though they’d been encouraged to plan for the future all through their high school career, they’d better be ready for it.

“Well, here it is,” Muckey said during the Saturday, May 13, 2017, graduation ceremony at Santa Fe Trail High School. “This is the end of planning phase for most of us. It’s time to head off into one of the greatest character defining times in a young student’s life, whether you’re headed to a tech school, a big college, a small college, out of state, the military, or any other pathway.”

He said the faculty had given them guidance and their teaching had provided tools to shape the graduates’ future.

“The truth of it is this next step is a great one … It’s true life for the first time in most of our lives and it really helps define us,” Muckey said. “The ability to choose, and to learn who you are is an invaluable gift presented to us after typical schooling, and one that will continue to mold us throughout our lives. And as we make our way into the future we must not forget those chosen few who gave us the tools to choose wisely.”

Noting the finality of graduation, Santa Fe Trail High School salutatorian Grace Herren described the class’ high school experiences as an enjoyable, but sometimes wild journey.

“High school is a roller coaster,” Herren said. “You wait forever to get there, and try your hardest to get to the front. There are twists and turns, high highs and low lows. It takes your breath away, makes you throw your hands up and scream and is best when you are with a friend. And then it is over. Just like that.”

“This ride has been great, but as it comes to an end never forget to be thankful for your past because it has prepared you for the future that is to come,” Herren said. “So join me in the next sprint, to our next ride and always remember – hands up.”

SFTHS administrative assistant Keith Johnson presented the SFTHS Class of 2017 for recognition by USD 434 Board of Education President Randy Boudeman. SFTHS Principal Patrick Graham announced the graduates as USD 434 Board of Education members presented diplomas.

Receiving diplomas as 2017 graduates of Santa Fe Trail High School were: Taylor Mechelk Ball, Taylin Lorraine Berckefeldt, Jaden Michael Noah Bone, Hanna Kayleen Burlew, Jesse David Busby, Connor Lee Caskey, Marcel Angel Creswell, Druanna Isabell Crouch, Alyssia Elaine Davis, Christian Ryan Davis, Joshua Roy Elley, Bryce Conner Erickson, MacKmzie Brianne Foster, Cheyenne May Gassman, Christina Michelle German, Gage Wellington Greenfield, Jordon Daniel Guyle, Trevor Dean Hall, Dakota Lee Hargett , Jacob Micheal Hastings, Jodi Elizabeth Hastings, Grace Olivia Herren, Savannah LeAnn Hinck, Jo Anna Paige Hoff, Kristopher Charles Howard, Ian Blaize Zavier Jamison, Erick D’orr Kelley, Dacoda Allen Kincaid, Noah Patrick Ostrander Knight, Brooke Nichol Kuermaier, Venessa Dyle Kunkel, Spencer Allen Lane, Madeline Grace Logsdon, Derrick Todd Martinek, Jordan Thomas Massey, T.J. Masters, Jeremy Adam Mayfield, Raynor Walker McClendon, Takoda David McClendon, Trenton Jacob Moore, Andrew Nash Muckey, Apryl Nicole Mulford, Joshua John Musick, DyIan Michael Myrick, Peyton Lee Newton, Kiara Jewel Padilla, Messina Anne Pagan, Dominic Christian Schrempp, Michaella Monae Seastrom, Alec Elijah Shook, Kelsey SueAnn Silver, Justice Nicole Simons, Alyx Makenna Smith, Scott Austin Spoonemore, Bailey Anne Rose Springer, Dakota James Thorne Thompson, Jordan Christian Tinch, Ian Matheau Trego, Shane Michael West, Mary Elizabeth Willige, Sonya Louise Winsler, and Matthew Ray Wurm.

The SFTHS senior class was sponsored by Connie Lindell and Heather Garrison.

Citing the Osage City High School Class of 2017’s class motto, a Bob Dylan quote, “You should always take the best from the past, leave the worst back there and go forward into the future,” honor student Amanda Pritchard reminded her fellow graduates during Sunday’s commencement, May 14, 2017, that their years of learning were now memories.

“All of you have had some wonderful memories, and though each of us may go our own direction, I hope that these times are something that you treasure and remember for years to come,” said Pritchard, noting her memories were of the family formed by the class.

“As I look out here, Class of 2017, know that I see future engineers, nurses, businessmen and women, and many other careers,” she said. “But more importantly, I see hard workers, achievers, smiling faces, good friends, and better, a family.”

OCHS honor student Trey Tomlinson echoed Pritchard’s comments, saying, “These memories, no matter how minute, all serve as an adhesive that inexplicably binds us all to one another.”

Tomlinson encouraged his 34 fellow classmates “to take a moment in order to reflect upon everything that we have accomplished in our short time as Indians. Take the time to truly appreciate all of the opportunities and the memories that we have all been granted and shared.”

He advised that with their memories and knowledge, they can help shape the future of their choosing.

“Wherever our path may diverge, I urge you all to remember and to stay true to who you are,” Tomlinson said. “And don’t be afraid of dreaming too big for any dream can be made a reality with enough innovation and faith. So don’t lose hope or your path, in doing so, success is within our reach.”

OCHS Principal Tony Heward presented the class for graduation, and USD 420 Board Member Dianne Scott presented diplomas to the 2017 OCHS graduates: Marissa Kay Adkins, Bailey Jo Barranco, Jonathan Allen Blaylock, Joseph Allen Blaylock, Claire Danielle Boyce, Acelynn Cheyanne Brooks, Larry Wayne Burcham, Jason Kyle Cooley, Richard Brian Corley, Shelby Renee Davidson, Connor Joseph Fagan, Abigail Carol Gibbons, Shaelyn Mae Gifford, Baeh Courtney Gill, Alexzander Timothy Greene, Casey Alexander Linebarger, Genevieve Dawn Lowery, Travis John Carey Martin, Jaime Ross McKenzie, Justin Evans Melgren, Hannah Moriah Mondragon, Makaela Louise Nicholson, Brady Aaron-Lee Ogle, Kelsy Ann Orender, Kodie Ann Otterness, Amanda Lyn Pritchard, Brett Reo Sage, Jarod Michael Stevens, Susan Gene Stromgren, Sarah Anne Thompson, Trey Douglas Tomlinson, Paris Renee Vigil, David J. Wells, Cattani Aletha Whalen, and Tracy Ellen Wilk.

2017 graduates of Marais des Cygnes Valley High School. Photo by Jerry Kramer, Kramer Photos.

“Remember that you owe it to those here today to be the best at that which you choose to do,” Leon Sluder, 2017 Marais des Cygnes Valley High School valedictorian, reminded his fellow graduates during the school’s commencement Sunday at Melvern.

Sluder told 11 other MdCVHS graduates that he and they were a product of the crowd gathered May 7 at the school gymnasium – including “parents, teachers, mentors, coaches, and community members who have worked together to get us here. They have all invested in a future that we will ultimately choose for ourselves.”

2017 Marais des Cygnes Valley High School valedictorian Leon Sluder.

Following the introduction of 2017 MdCV salutatorian Peyton Johnson and valedictorian Sluder, school counselor Laurel Ladewig introduced the MdCV graduating class of 2017: Whitney Marie Arb, Sanya Marie Day, Kayden August Dickey, Addison David Hall, Samantha Lynn Harris, Dakota Austin Jackson, Peyton Alan Johnson, Hatch Erin Lott, Kelsey Jean Lowe, Valoree Coleen Lynn, Leon Paul Sluder, and Allison Nicole Smith.

Greg McCurdy, USD 456 Board of Education president, and Jamie Sowers, vice president, presented diplomas to the graduates. MdCV High School principal is Michelle Schulze; USD 456 superintendent is Ted Hessong.

As is tradition at MdCVHS, the graduates formed a receiving line following the ceremony to greet all who gathered to send off the Trojans as they march toward future endeavors.

MdCV FFA past and present officers: Kayden Dickey, Leon Sluder, Alaina Marsh, Dalton Hook, Brookelyn Janssen, Destiny Massey, Josey Weimer, Chloe Volkman, Kali Holt, and Kathryn Vaught.

By Kathryn Vaught
MdCV FFA Reporter 

The annual Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA Chapter banquet was held on Thursday, April 13, 2017. Approximately 90 people, including members, family and friends, gathered in the Marais des Cygnes Valley High School gymnasium for some good eating, door prizes, awards, and the installation of the 2017-2018 chapter officers.

The invocation from Dalton Hook was followed by the dinner of pulled pork, roast beef, cheesy potatoes, side dishes, and desserts provided by our members and their families. Then, we handed out door prizes from local supporting businesses.

MdCV FFA honors Mark Lacey and Shane Weimer with the Blue and Gold Award for their assistance with the club’s greenhouse floor.

Following the dinner, chapter officers President Kayden Dickey, Vice President Kathryn Vaught, Secretary Josey Weimer, Treasurer Dalton Hook, Reporter Leon Sluder, Sentinel Chloe Volkman and advisor Danny Rice began the opening ceremonies. Kathryn Vaught then introduced our guest speaker, Lori Harlan, a former state vice-president and MdCV alumni with her speech on the countless opportunities that FFA provides. Other guests included members of the USD 456 Board of Education, USD 456 Superintendent Ted Hessong, MdCV Junior High/High School Principal Michelle Schulze, members of the MdCV Ag Education Advisory Board, Joe and Shirley Lichtenauer, Dale and Peggy McCurdy, Jeff and Merrilyn Casten and family, as well as FFA members and family.

After the guest speaker, Chloe Volkman and Josey Weimer presented the chapter video showcasing the year’s activities.