At left, the Lynnville-Sully Class of 2023 includes: Front row, Lily Clementi, Payton Maston, Lacey Van Vark, Haylei Routier, Haley Dewitt, Esther Collins, Mazi Meyer, Jordan Spooner; second row, Kinsley Tice, Alexis Baumgardt, Allie Van Wyk, Kendra Fikse, Ellyse Merten, Alyssa Bassett, Ashton Van Wyk, Greenlee Smock, Kaleb Fopma; third row, Elizabeth Elliott, Celia Ricker, Chase Maddison, Evan Fikse, Dimitri Van Wyk, Makayla Tice, Abby Squires, Thea LeCompte, Brayden Hardeman; fourth row, Dominick Price, Ryan Essen, Preston Rodibaugh, Mathias Torres, Logan Baarda, Makenna Schnell, Dylan Liekweg, Reese Dunsbergen; fifth row, Gentry Walston, Caleb Rea, Lane Fisk, Conner Maston, James Gruver, Bryce Richards, Zach Morningstar, Cameron Bulmer; sixth row, Kyle Squires, Kale Ehresman, Jaden Norman, Jacob Fogle, Tyson Jansen, Jager Huyser, and Josh Hellickson.
Members of one of Lynnville-Sully’s largest classes – the Class of 2023 featuring 49 students – walked the stage and received their diplomas in Lynnville-Sully’s graduation ceremony held in the high school gym on Saturday evening, May 20. The gym was packed with proud family and friends who celebrated 13 years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance alongside their graduates.
Saturday’s celebration was the culmination of 13 years of dedication by not only the students, but of Lynnville-Sully faculty and staff, family members, supportive community members, and friends who were alongside the graduates’ K-12 journey.
The prelude, performed by the Lynnville-Sully Band under the direction of Mr. Nathan Dickerson, was played prior to the processional of the L-S Class of 2023 as members took their seats in front of the stage. Superintendent Matt Dunsbergen welcomed the large crowd who filled every nook and cranny of the gym before handing the mic to high school principal Aaron Shipley, who presented the Academic Excellence Medallions to 20 grads. Salutatorian Ryan Essen and co-valedictorians Kendra Fikse and Kyle Squires delivered their honor graduate speeches, followed by the high school chorus performing “O Magnum Mysterium,” featuring several L-S seniors in their last performance. The Class of 2023 then walked the stage to receive diplomas. Each graduate shared a special embrace with their parents and presented them with a white rose and their diploma prior to returning to their seats. The graduates threw their caps in the air in celebration before heading outside for the congratulatory line.
After being announced as Lynnville-Sully’s newest alumni, the 49 members of the Class of 2023 formed a congratulatory line outside the school. There, a wide range of emotions, hugs, and handshakes were shared as guests celebrated with the new grads. Groups of friends and family spent time gathering for photos to capture the excitement and emotions of the memorable evening.
The Class of 2023 is not only one of the largest classes to pass through the halls of Lynnville-Sully, but it is also one of the most accomplished. Their names are synonymous with excellence in the classroom, in athletics, and as caring members of the community. Over the course of their K-12 careers, they have left their mark in academics, written their name in the school record books, and made a lasting impact on the staff and underclassmen.
The future is bright as Lynnville-Sully’s newest graduates embark on new adventures. Seeking post-secondary education, joining the Air Force and National Guard, furthering their athletic careers, and entering the workforce are some of the varied post-high school plans of the Class of 2023. No doubt, the Lynnville-Sully grads will continue to make an impact on society as they start a new journey with a solid education under their belts and dreams of future success.
Best of luck, Lynnville-Sully Class of 2023!
