Hayley Jennings was Valedictorian and Ethen Elder was Salutatorian at Gilman City's graduation Friday. There were 14 graduates recognized. There was an empty chair there in memory of Brittany Zerbe, who would have graduated with this class. The class presented a flower to her family in her memory. There were eight eighth graders recognized for graduating into high school.
Rebecca Taggart was the guest speaker for the graduation ceremony. In 2016, she was pressed into service as a fourth-grade teacher for this class, and they immediately hit it off. "You taught me as much as I taught you," she said. She moved up to fifth grade with them the next year and they exceeded expectations that year as well.
The first day Ms. Taggart walked into the classroom, Remington Barth was there to shake her hand. Spike Burke was talkative, competitive, enjoyed debate, and was a big asset to the class. Riah Crump was serious, yet funny as well. She would always call Ms. Taggart "mom" and "grandma." Ethan Elder was always the person Ms. Taggart depended on to look up something online; he was like a walking Copilot well before there was such a thing. Shelby Gibson was always the one looking out for the rest of her classmates. Gabby Griffin joined the class in fifth grade; she was always funny. "She was the person we didn't realize we needed," said Ms. Taggart. Gavon Hancock was very quiet and considerate and always met his reading goals. Memphis Harris cracked everyone up and knew a lot of jokes. Hayley Jennings started off shy, but got really good as presenting stuff like a seasoned professional.
Landon Preston was one of the jokesters of the class, but never let it get in the way of his work or his sports. Kenyon Puls joined the class in sixth grade and was always positive and respectful. Kelsey Sperry was one of the most creative people of the class. Parker Virtue came to Gilman City later and was always a good student with a smile on his face. Colbi Webb was delightful, gentle, and always had a smile on her face. "You guys will forever hold a place in my heart," said Ms. Taggart.
Taggart encouraged her students to remember Psalm 32:8, where God promised to always instruct and teach people, Romans 12:2, which tells people not to be conformed to the customs of the world, and encouraged them to follow Jesus, embrace challenges, and to be kind to others. Ethen Elder presented Taggart with a gift on behalf of the class.
The eighth grade students were recognized. They were Tenley Griffith, Paisley Taggart, Abigail Clark, Gracie Girsch, Daisy Girsch, Caden Osborn, Mason Preston, and Carter Robertson.
The GRM Networks scholarship went to Hayley Jennings. The Cecil & Inez Misner scholarships went to Shelby Gibson and Kelsey Sperry. The Travis Girratono Scholarship went to Riah Crump, who is related. Girratono went to Gilman City through second grade before moving to Albany and the family gives out scholarships to Gilman City in his memory. The Dr. Albert Cross Scholarships went to Landon Preston, Kenyon Puls, and Shelby Gilson. Dr. Cross was a Gilman City alum. The Norma "Sis" McDaniel Scholarship went to Riah Crimp. "Sis" was a softball player who traveled around the country playing softball for 15 years. She went to places like Florida, New Jersey, and Canada.
The National Guard recognized Gavon Hancock for enlisting in the National Guard. The Guard pays for 100% of peoples' college in return for them serving certain periods in the guard. Employers cannot punish or dismiss employees who have guard duty. The Bill Turner scholarship, given to a student pursuing agriculture, went to Ethen Elder. The Gilman City CTA scholarship went to Shelby Gibson. The Harold Gannon scholarship went to Ethen Elder.
Recognized as A+ students were Riah Crimp, Shelby Gibson, Colbi Webb, Hayley Jennings, Kelsey Sperry, Landon Preston, and Ethen Elder.
Out of the 14 graduates, there were seven who were first-generation graduates and four who were fifth generation graduates.
Principal Brent Mitchell encouraged the students to make good decisions about who to hang out with, who to marry, and in knowing God in some way.
Ethen Elder said that his success was only possible because of his classmates, the school, the teachers, the staff, and the parents. "The school was like a second home to us," he said. Hayley Jennings said that they were more than just titles and told the eighth graders that the next four years would go by fast. She thanked God, the teachers, staff, community, and family and encouraged her classmates to embrace the many opportunities before them.
Remington Barth is the son of Jeff and Kimberly Hanes. His activity was FFA and his favorite class was Auto Tech. His favorite teacher was Mr. Chalfant. He plans to enter the workforce.
Parker Virtue is the son of Scott Virtue and Crystal Juarez. His activities included football, basketball, track, and baseball. His favorite class was Art and his favorite teacher was Mrs. Webb. He plans to enter the workforce and get a job with Herzog.
Trenton "Spike" Burke is the son of Nikki Burke. His activities were basketball, baseball, and FFA. His favorite class was Ag and his favorite teacher was Mr. Chalfant. He has already started his own business, a lawncare and landscape business, and he plans to grow it.
Gabriel Griffin is the daughter of Tara Lingard. She was involved in cheer, basketball, and FFA. Her favorite class was English IV and her favorite teachers were Mr. Alexander and Miss Dee. She plans to go to cosmetology school.
Memphis Harris is the son of Zach and Brittany Harris. His activities were basketball and FFA. His favorite class was Art and his favorite teacher was Mrs. Webb. He plans to enter the workforce.
Riah Crump is the daughter of Jesse and Ashlee Crump. Her activities were softball, basketball, cheer, track, FCA, FFA, FBLA, NHS, and student council. Her favorite class was Math and her favorite teacher was Mrs. Reed. She plans to attend Graceland University.
Kenyon Puls is the son of Josh and Brittany Curtis. His activities were basketball, track, baseball, FFA, and FBLA. His favorite class was Principles of Technology and his favorite teacher was Mr. Chalfant. He plans to attend North Central Missouri College.
Shelby Gibson is the daughter of Jacob and Kristy Gibson. Her activities were softball, basketball, cheer, track, FCA, FFA, FBLA, NHS, and student council. Her favorite class was History and her favorite teacher was Ms. Axtell. She plans to attend North Central Missouri College and major in Radiologic Technology.
Gavon Hancock is the son of Gabe and Kaitlynn Hancock. His favorite class was Art and his favorite teacher was Mrs. Webb. He plans to join the National Guard and enter the workforce.
Colbi Webb is the daughter of Jason and Amber Webb. Her activities were basketball, track, FCA, FFA, FBLA, NHS, and student council. She also competes in rodeo every chance that she gets. Her favorite class is science and her favorite teacher is Ms. Preston. She plans to attend William Jewel and major in Physical Therapy.
Landon Preston is the son of Keith and Holly Preston. His activities were academic team, football, basketball, baseball, track, FCA, FFA, FBLA, NHS, and student council. His favorite class was preschool SAM and his favorite teachers were Tasha and Angela. He plans to attend North Central and major in Sport Management.
Kelsey Sperry is the daughter of Kelly and Jill Sperry. Her activities were softball, basketball, cheer, track, FCA, FFA, FBLA, NHS, and student council. Her favorite class was Yearbook and her favorite teacher was Ms. Axtell. She plans to attend the University of Missouri and major in Graphic Design.
Ethen Elder is the son of Darin and Vickie Elder. His activities were academic team, baseball, track, FFA, FBLA, NHS, and student council. His favorite class was Principles of Technology and his favorite teacher was Mrs. Ward. He plans to attend the Missouri University of Science and Technology and major in Engineering.
Hayley Jennings is the daughter of Chuck and Patty Jennings. Her activities were academic team, cheer, FCA, FFA, FBLA, NHS, and student council. Her favorite classes were Kindergarten and SAM Hour and her favorite teacher was Mrs. Webb. She plans to attend Columbia College and major in Forensic Science.
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