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Blue-green algae advisories lifted for Pomona and Melvern lakes for Memorial Weekend

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has lifted blue-green algae public health advisories at Melvern Lake and Pomona Lake as of May 25, 2023. Pomona was placed under a blue-green algae warning advisory last week, while Melvern was under a watch status. With the advisories lifted for Pomona and Melvern lakes, only two other lakes in Kansas are under a warning or watch status for the Memorial Day weekend. Marion Lake and Norton Lake were both placed on the warning list Thursday.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are responsible for issuing public health advisory updates due to harmful blooms of blue-green algae.

Lake users are advised to watch for harmful algal blooms, even on lakes that are not under advisories. Harmful algal blooms can look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water, and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away.

Algal toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols, and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (such as direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

Any people or dogs that come into contact with algae should rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected harmful agal bloom related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.

People who observe scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, should avoid contact with the water and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present.

Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information about blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, see kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.

Burlingame High School sends off 24 graduates with best wishes for the future

Burlingame High School class of 2023. Photo by Andy Bayless.

It was a day of thank yous, goodbyes and well wishes as 24 members of the Burlingame High School class of 2023 accepted their diplomas and started the next chapter in their life as high school graduates.

“My wish for you is that life becomes all that you want it to,” a quote from a song by the band Rascal Flatts, was echoed in sentiment by the class’s salutatorian and three valedictorians as they addressed the crowd gathered Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Burlingame Elementary School gymnasium.

Salutatorian Isabella Tyson advised her fellow graduates and underclassmen to not take time for granted.

“Enjoy where you are, look at the people around you and cherish every second with them,” the salutatorian said. “Don’t get so focused on the future that you forget to live in the present. Don’t dwell on the past that you rob yourself of any joy in the current moment. Because time is fleeting and things change so quickly. Nothing is out of reach, you can reach for the stars, and accomplish all that you put your mind to, but if there’s one thing you cannot hold onto, it’s time. It’ll slip right through your fingers. So take a moment to appreciate the people around you and to enjoy what you have while you have it.”

After offering thanks to all the people in their lives who helped the graduates reach their goal, valedictorian Alexandra Crook offered her wish for her classmates, “Throughout the many years we spent together, many laughs were shared and several wonderful memories were made. I have enjoyed getting to know you and growing up alongside you all. We have completed high school and are now moving on to the next chapter of our lives. Wherever your lives take you, I wish you all success and happiness in the world.”

Valedictorian Adaysia Gallaway wished for her classmates to have success and experience self discovery. “But most importantly, I’d like to wish for happiness,” Gallaway said. “Life is short. Everyone should take the time to find joy in the little moments. You will come to regret the moments you worked diligently focused on the future, instead of hanging out with your friends having fun in the present. I think Timothee Chalamet puts it perfectly: ‘We’re only here for so long. Be happy, man. You could get hit by a truck tomorrow.’”

Valedictorian Paloma Leyva had a different story to tell than her fellow scholars. She talked about how she came to Burlingame without knowing English, and with parents who barely knew English.

“My parents had to hire a teacher to teach me to write and speak in English,” Leyva said. “I still had my accent, so most of my classmates had no idea what I was saying. I remember that I wanted to fit in and be like everyone else, so I practiced speaking English everyday until I finally started to become fluent.”

After years of hard studying and trying to fit in, Leyva found out about the honor of being a valedictorian, “I knew I wanted that title more than anything to prove that a Hispanic student could earn such an honor.”

“I have recently started to realize that I never needed to fit in. I never needed to only speak one language. I should have never been afraid to show everyone my culture and who I really was. But now I can say that I am proud of being Hispanic and being bilingual. I hope I can inspire others so we see so many different backgrounds and have so many stories to tell at their graduation.

“To my fellow graduates, I wish you all the best of luck and I hope you one day achieve all your dreams … Go out into the world and make a difference. Remember never be afraid to show people you really are, don’t fit in, stand out.”

With presentation of the class by Burlingame Junior-Senior High School Principal Geoff Markos, USD 454 Board of Education President Melissa Droege accepted the BHS class of 2023 for graduation.

Board of education members presented diplomas to Morgyn Ann Baker, Roman Montgomery Bayless, Gabrielle Marie Bayless-Ross, Alexandra Nicole Crook, Jason Alexander Davidson, Jace Lee DeWitt, Mason Wayne Flickinger, Adysia Jeanette Gallaway, Devin Reese Hartpence, Matthew Ty Heckman, Elizabeth Gail Ledom, Tyler Lawrence Lockwood, Paloma Leyva, Kiera Lee McNellis, Colby James Middleton, Landrew Todd Mundy, Ayden Kye Rash, Gracie Ann Simmons, Branden LaVerne Taylor, Isabella Elaine Tyson, Daniel Phillip Roy Wells, Coby Eugene Woods, Cody Dean Woods, and Trapper John Wright.

The class of 2023 sponsors were Amy Heckman and Amy Tyson. Attendants for the commencement ceremony were Madison Hovestadt, Kaylin Noonan, Calvin Noonan, and Brandon Punches.

USD 454 Board of Education members include Droege, Pam Masters, vice president, Jamie Bowman, Krista Rowley, Audrey Ross, Steven Tyson, and Donna Young.

Administration for the graduates’ last year of school at BHS were USD 454 Superintendent Marcy Cassidy and Principal Geoff Markos.

BHS faculty and staff included Angela Adams, Mike Barlow, Brian Bartlett, Katie Beauclaire, Doug Bingham, Jeff Bowman, TJ Brake, Julia Bukovatz, Chris Burk, Teresa Carson, Fred Diver, Christi Droege, Mitch Foote, Robin Fruits, Melissa Hamel, Mark Hecht, Amy Heckman, Mike Higgins, Lauren Jerore, Dita Kopp, Kevin Kramer, Darin Lee, Jessica Lockwood, Calvary Lyle, Austin Masters, Brooke Masters, Bridget Middleton, Heather Morgan, Michelle Motsinger, Becky Muzzy, Lisa Obregon, Barb Peterson, Cassidy Powell, Tammy Roberts, Travisray Salyers,Roger Sells, Jon Shaffer, Angela Short, Josiah Shultz, Jacob Simmons, Jeff Slater, Aaron Staab, Megan Summers, Cheynne Swanson, Amy Tyson, Jewelie Ullery, Keri Welch, Alexia Wells, Lindsey Wendleton, Eric West, Shay West, and Katelyn Whitaker.

Filings in the Osage County Courthouse, May 12 – May 18, 2023

The following information was compiled May 12-18, 2023, from records at the Osage County Courthouse, Lyndon, Kan.

Osage County Jail Log, May 16 – May 20, 2023

The following individuals were booked into the Osage County Jail in connection with charges or warrants as listed by the arresting agency.

James E. Goodyear III, 62, Carbondale: April 5, 1961 – May 16, 2023

CARBONDALE, Kan. – James E. Goodyear III, 62, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at his home near Carbondale, Kan. Jim was born April 5, 1961, in Topeka, Kan., to James Jr. and Carol (Cooper) Goodyear.

He grew up in Overbrook, Kan., and graduated from Santa Fe Trail High School in 1979.

Jim married Sandra Crispin, Jan. 23, 1983.

Jim worked for KP&L and Westar Energy from 1982 to 2015, when he retired. He loved learning about power plant technology, and was always coming home excited to tell Sandy about how the plant ran. After many years of being a certified instrument and controls technician, and obtaining boiler certifications, Jim became the operations trainer for Westar Energy.

2023 OCHS graduates share heartfelt memories of school and community

OCHS class of 2023: Chae Allan Aills, Tomas Manuel Arellano, Owen Michael Potter Bailey, Bryson Thomas Banfield, Alexis Lynne Barrett, Landon Lucas Boss, Breckin Scot Bowin, Braxton Lloyd Bowman, Treyton Kahle Britschge, Braiden Michael-James Burd, Connor David Collins, Greta Lynette Crawford, Austin Brown Crettol, Keaton Hawk Curley, Lyia Lyn Dicker, Weston Allan Dunbar, Kaityn Michelle Gantenbein, Mason Wayne Gibson, Kyle Dean Grandstaff, Tracen James Hartner, Pearl Ann Kautzman, Kaden Thorne Kirkpatrick, Corbin Robert Klofkom, Halen James Lacey, Bryce Simon Linebarger, Nakotah Alexander Lowery, Jacob Adam Alexander McCoy, Trevor James Medlen, Dawsyn Ryan Meek, Kenia Jazzmin Mejia-Cortez, Lillian Jo Mitchell, Jack Delaney Neary, Olivia Winn Phillips, Korey Daniel Roberts, Dalton James Rush, Dalton Jones Schaefer, Ellie Marie Shoemaker, and Jacob Scott Watkins. OCHS photo.

With a community standing behind them, along with a touch of humor, Osage City High School graduates of 2023 followed the class’s motto, and gave 100 percent for the last assignment of their public school years – accepting their diplomas.

A quote from Bill Murray served as the class’s inspiration over the years: “Whatever you do, always give 100 percent. Unless you’re donating blood.”

During the graduation ceremony held Sunday, May 14, 2023, at the high school auditorium, the graduates relived school day memories, thanked those who helped them get through the years of school, and reminded each other to not forget their community that had guided and supported them.

Honor student Landon Boss told the class of 38 graduates that their small class size helped bring them together.

“I believe that our small numbers have brought us closer than any other grade,” Boss said. “We don’t have special cliques or friend groups where others aren’t welcome. Instead we are more of a family, where everyone is friends with everyone.”

Noting OCHS was “an everything school”, Boss talked about the support of the community for all of the sports seasons and related some of his best memories in participation of sports.

“I have made memories in high school that will stick with me for the rest of my life,” Boss said. “It is memories and times like these that make this class, school, town, and community so special. Memories like these that will be cherished by many for years to come. Osage City will always be a place that I hold near and dear to my heart. It is the type of school, town, and community that you want your kids to grow up in.”

Honor student Kaityn Gantenbein told of a story she had written to her senior self while in the eighth grade. Reading it as a senior made her realize “most of my heart is this school and this town…”

Reflecting on her four years of high school and 15 years living in Osage City, Gantenbein said, “For so long, I have taken for granted how special this place truly is.”

Gantebein said, “This is where my family lives … This is where my friends are … This is where my class is … This place, Osage City, Kansas, is all that I know.

“Wherever we go and whatever we do, we will always carry a part of this town and each other with us.

Revealing her emotions to her eighth grade self, she said, “To open my heart, this is what you would find – my class, this school, this town …”

Presenting the class for graduation was high school counselor Kathy Camerena, and Kelli Bowin, USD 420 Board of Education, presented diplomas to Chae Allan Aills, Tomas Manuel Arellano, Owen Michael Potter Bailey, Bryson Thomas Banfield, Alexis Lynne Barrett, Landon Lucas Boss, Breckin Scot Bowin, Braxton Lloyd Bowman, Treyton Kahle Britschge, Braiden Michael-James Burd, Connor David Collins, Greta Lynette Crawford, Austin Brown Crettol, Keaton Hawk Curley, Lyia Lyn Dicker, Weston Allan Dunbar, Kaityn Michelle Gantenbein, Mason Wayne Gibson, Kyle Dean Grandstaff, Tracen James Hartner, Pearl Ann Kautzman, Kaden Thorne Kirkpatrick, Corbin Robert Klofkom, Halen James Lacey, Bryce Simon Linebarger, Nakotah Alexander Lowery, Jacob Adam Alexander McCoy, Trevor James Medlen, Dawsyn Ryan Meek, Kenia Jazzmin Mejia-Cortez, Lillian Jo Mitchell, Jack Delaney Neary, Olivia Winn Phillips, Korey Daniel Roberts, Dalton James Rush, Dalton Jones Schaefer, Ellie Marie Shoemaker, and Jacob Scott Watkins.

KDHE places Pomona Lake under blue-green algae warning

OSAGE COUNTY, Kan. – Two Osage County lakes are now under public health advisories due to the presence of blue-green algae. Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a warning advisory for Pomona Lake, May 18, 2023, and Melvern Lake remains under a watch advisory for a second week. The only other Kansas lake currently under an advisory, Big Eleven Lake, in Wyandotte County, was placed on watch status Thursday.

A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure, such as direct contact, ingestion, and inhalation, but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. Anyone or their dogs that come into contact with algae is advised rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.

A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.  Contact with the waterbody should be avoided. A watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
  • Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.
  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or water that is an opaque green should be avoided by humans and dogs should be kept away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, see kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.

Filings in the Osage County Courthouse, May 5 – May 12, 2023

The following information was compiled May 5 to May 11, 2023, from records at the Osage County Courthouse, Lyndon, Kan.

Cynthia J. “Cindy” Lindsay, 67, Osage City: April 12, 1956 – May 12, 2023

OSAGE CITY, KAN. – Cynthia J. “Cindy” Lindsay, 67, peacefully passed away Friday, May 12, 2023, at Osage City Nursing Center, Osage City, Kan., surrounded by her loving family. Cynthia Jo Lang was born April 12, 1956, in Junction City, Kan., the daughter of Paul E. and Nancy I. (Blanton) Lang.

She graduated from Burlingame High School, Burlingame, Kan., in 1974.

She was joined in marriage to Patrick Duane Lindsay on July 20, 1974, in Burlingame. To this union two children were born, Nate and Jenny.

Cindy worked for a short time at Hallmark Cards, and then worked for Citizens State Bank in Osage City for 25 years. She later worked for Ogden Publications, Topeka, Kan., for nine years before retiring.

She was a member of the Burlingame Saddle Club, and became the club’s first woman president. She was a rodeo queen and held various positions with the club. Cindy was a very active 4-H leader, leading her kids to be very active members. She was very active in the 4-H livestock sale for many years. She was in the Osage County leadership class of 1993. Cindy was also involved in many medical studies, trying to find her a cure for Huntington’s disease.

William I. Allen, 76, Vassar: Oct. 21, 1946 – May 12, 2023

VASSAR, Kan. – William I. Allen, 76, passed away Friday, May 12, 2023, at his home near Vassar, Kan. He was born Oct. 21, 1946, in Peabody, Kan., the son of Irving and Marjorie (Seibel) Allen.

Bill had lived in Lyndon, Kan., for many years, and had lived near Vassar for the last 20 years.

Bill graduated from Lyndon High School in 1964. He then served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970. Bill had worked as a welder and truck driver for most of his life. He was a member of the Lyndon American Legion Post 125 and the NRA.

Osage County Jail Log, May 8 – May 15, 2023

The following individuals were booked into the Osage County Jail in connection with charges or warrants as listed by the arresting agency.

Albert G. Wamser Jr., 81, Osage City: March 28, 1942 – May 10, 2023

OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Albert G. Wamser Jr., 81, passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at his home in Osage City, Kan. Albert George Wamser Jr. was born March 28, 1942, in Emporia, Kan., the son of Albert George “Bert” and Hazel (Finn) Wamser.

He graduated in 1960 from Reading High School, Reading, Kan.

He was a cowboy and lived and worked on farms in and around Reading, and Sturgis, Ky. While in Kentucky, he was a member of the Sturgis General Baptist Church. Albert was currently attending the Burlington Baptist Bible Church. He was strong in his faith and loved sharing it with others.

Carl F. Meyer, 95, Osage City: Feb. 18, 1928 – May 6, 2023

OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Carl F. Meyer, 95, passed away May 6, 2023, at Peterson’s Assisted Living, Osage City, Kan. Carl Frederick Meyer was born Feb. 18, 1928, on a farm outside of Osage City, to Charles Frederick and Laura I. (Thompson) Meyer.

He graduated from Osage City High School in 1946.

Carl is survived by his children, Laura DeBaun (Tom), Osage City, Karen Oliver (William), Shawnee, Kan., and Carl Meyer Jr. (Shera), Oskaloosa, Kan.; six grandchildren, Alex DeBaun (Tammi), Valley Center, Kan., Loren DeBaun (Letisha), Osage City, Kathryn Boss (Lucas), Osage City, Maureen Baraban (Brian), Overland Park, Kan., Will Oliver, Shawnee, and Owen Meyer, Oskaloosa; two step-grandchildren, Kelli George (Manoj), Olathe, Kan., and Jill Rogers (Gary), Tonganoxie, Kan.; and 12 great-grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren.

Milton L. Gilliland, 68, Topeka: Aug. 3, 1954 – Dec. 11, 2022

TOPEKA, Kan. – Milton L. Gilliland, 68, of Topeka, Kan., passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at University of Kansas Health System-St. Francis Campus, Topeka. He was born Aug. 3, 1954, the son of Frank Donald and Ina Lucille (Parker) Gilliland.

Milton grew up on a farm near Overbrook, Kan. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Kansas and MBA from Baker University.

While attending KU, he met and married Rebecca “Becky” Eddy. They married on Nov. 10, 1979, in Merriam, Kan. Together, they shared 43 years of marriage.

Milton was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing, reading, and bicycling. He was an avid animal lover and KU fan. Milton worked for St. Francis Hospital, and retired from human resources for the Veterans Administration.

Zion Lutheran confirms local youths at Vassar

Receiving confirmation into the Zion Lutheran Church are, from left, Wyatt Whitten, Reed Silver, Bella Reeser, and Calliope Monthey, with Pastor Joshua Woelmer. Lisa Reeser photo.

On Sunday, April 30, 2023, four young parishioners were confirmed into the Zion Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Vassar, Kan. These four youths have attended confirmation classes for the past four years, and had their questioning April 29, at the Vassar church.


Melvern Lake blue-green algae health warning downgraded to watch status

Melvern Lake remains the only lake in the state this week under a Kansas Department of Health and Environment blue-green algae watch. The Osage County lake was put under a public health advisory last week, with that warning downgraded to a watch on March 11.

A watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected, and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation, and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During a watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans or animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people or pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.

Anyone who observes a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, is advised to avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

Girl Scouts enjoy springtime with learning and fishing outings

Area Girl Scouts have some springtime activities coming up, beginning with a STEM camp June 10-11, and a fishing outing on June 24, 2023.

The STEM Camp will be 6 p.m. Saturday, June 10 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11 at Camp Double E, near Emporia.

During the weekend, girls will have learn how citizen scientists make observations, collect data, and work with others to receive feedback on their research. The Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey is designed to help explore participants’ interests, gain new skills and make a difference in their communities with citizen science. There will also be games, time outside and picture taking. Scouts will be able to earn the Think Like a Citizen Scientist badge, which will be provided.

This event is for girls kindergarten age to fifth grade. Register by June 10. Camp Double E, is at 794 Road 200, Emporia, Kan.

During the “Me and My Buddy Fishing” event, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 24, girls will reel in their buddies, grab a chair and pole, and cast a line at Council Grove City Lake. The family event is a fishing and water safety awareness experience. The local Corps of Engineers officers will educate Girl Scouts and their families on water safety while fishing and how to have a great outdoor experience at the beautiful lake. A game warden will also be there to talk and teach about local wildlife. Poles will be available to use at this catch and release event. Participants must comply with Kansas fishing regulations and obtain a fishing license prior to the event for anyone age 16 to 74.

For more information or to register for either outing, contact Paula Roper at paularoper@att.net.

2023 graduating Trojans head out on unique paths toward success

2023 MdCV graduates Kyler Anschutz, Ryan Baker, Eian Balazs, Justin Brinkley, Katie Calderwood, Madison Cormode, Joseph Del Percio, William Glaser, Chiara Guerini, Isaac Hockett, Hailey Ingle, Lindsey Johnson, Alyssa McCurdy, Wyatt Melton, Alysa Miller, Avary Simmons, Jace Stucker, Lance Spillman, Collin Vogeler , Kyla Vogeler, Tristyn Weber, Jacob Weimer, Jessica Wheeler, Josephine Wheeler, Savannah Williams, Heaven Wilson, and Skylee  Zoesch. Photo by Jerry Kramer, Kramer Photos.

The valedictorians of Marais des Cygnes Valley High School Class of 2023 reminded their classmates they won’t have the support of each other daily as they have for the last 12 years, but their separate life journeys were just beginning.

Speaking to friends, family and classmates at the May 6, 2023, graduation ceremony, MdCV Valedictorian Madison Cormode advised fellow Trojans they had reached the milestone of “real life.”

“We were kids together,” Cormode said. “We’ve grown and soon we’ll be adults without each other.”

She spoke about graduates’ plans for the future, which “makes us sound like we’re going to be adults and it’s crazy to me to think of us that way. It’s hard for me to imagine us living by ourselves, having adult jobs, and some of us starting families in just a few years. But what’s not hard for me to imagine is how we all will succeed.”

Noting the close classmates would all be going separate directions, “let’s go and have an even better rest of our lives, because the story of ‘us’ is ending soon,” Cormode said.

MdCV Valedictorian Lindsey Johnson spoke about experiencing life’s changes with her classmates, and concurred with Cormode the longtime classmates would soon set out on different paths.

“Going through high school it is no secret that everyone changes, and the most special part is that we all change together,” Johnson said. “We may not have all been best friends all the time, but these are the people that you grow up with.”

“Our journey began years ago, today just happens to be the day where the path we were all traveling together splits into [27] unique roads. Up until this day we have been walking as one. We have done it all together, but today, we all will move on to our futures.”

With USD 456 Superintendent Joe Samples presenting the class for graduation, school board members presented diplomas to 2023 MdCV graduates Kyler Jon Anschutz, Ryan Matthew Baker, Eian Emmanuel Balazs, Justin Wade Brinkley, Katie Lynn Calderwood, Madison Grace Cormode, Joseph Caden Del Percio, William Wade Glaser, Chiara Guerini, Isaac Malachi Hockett, Hailey Lynn Ingle, Lindsey Jo Johnson, Alyssa Dayle McCurdy, Wyatt Jessie Melton, Alysa Jean Miller, Avary Grace Simmons, Jace Michael Stucker, Lance Andrew Spillman, Collin Ryan Vogeler , Kyla Joann Vogeler, Tristyn Keown Weber, Jacob Shane Weimer, Jessica Maria Wheeler, Josephine Maria Wheeler, Savannah Breann Williams, Heaven Kay Wilson, and Skylee Dawn Zoesch.

Faculty for the class of 2023 were Joy Dyke, Lora Finley, Pat Jones, Jeremy Lingenfelter, Mike McDougald, Karen Phelon, Lisa Reeser, Danny Rice, Thomas Roach, Sandy Scoggin, Mary Sumner, Thad Thurston, and Eric Vogeler. Joe Sample is superintendent and principal, Emily McCollough is academic adviser, and Kelsey Struttman and John Bass serve as secretaries.

USD 456 Board of Education members are Greg McCurdy, president, Mike Ragan, vice president, Mark Lacey, Caleb McNally, Chelsey Masenthin, Eric Struttman, and Debbie Woodson.


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