Hats Off To The Graduates

Wessington Springs High School graduates tossed their mortarboards high and far last week in celebration of the class of 2022’s commencement. Shown left to right are recent grads: Mason Schelske, Payton Tobin, Kaden Wolter, Draven Thompson, Porter Walz, Bryce Kopfmann, Carter Grohs, James Jungemann, Faith Easter, Kindra Wolter, Cheyenne Burg, Kali Roduner, Sarah Raterman, Cade Mohling, Eileen Kanthak, Anthony Neely, Cale Mohling and Quinten Christensen.

Seniors and preschool - sixth graders alike enjoyed the beloved tradition of the elementary school hallway walk through last Friday. Kali Roduner high fives elementary kids eager to interact with the graduates.

Commencement speaker Steve Grove handed each graduate an envelope, filled with a surprising assignment due July 1.

Graduate Kaden Wolter opens the envelope that keynote speaker and restaurateur Steve Grove gave to each of the graduating seniors. Much to their surprise, each envelope contained $500 cash and an assignment from Grove: “Do something for the people who have made an impact in your life — spend none on yourself. This is for you to thank others. Be thankful for those who have made yousuccessful, be grateful. If there is any left over, donate it to the Blue Bag Backpack Program.”

Anthony Neely along with his fellow classmates presented roses to parents, family and friends during the ceremony. He is shown presenting a rose and a hug to his mom, Lynn Neely.

A chair was reserved among the graduates in memory of classmate Jacob Kolousek who passed away on July 24, 2015. Bryce Kopfmann delivered a moving introduction to an emotional presentation for Jacob’s family, in which each graduate presented a rose to Jacob’s parents, also greeting his siblings and grandparents.