Highland High School Holds Commencement

By David Sharp

Lewis County C-I Superintendent of Schools Mr. John French welcomed an estimated crowd of over 1000 and 66 Class of 2015 graduates to the May 22, 2015 Highland High School Commencement exercises near Ewing.

Mr. French introduced district Board of Education members. Highland administrators recognized graduates who were joining the armed forces along with retired or active duty military in attendance.

Class of 2015 Vice President Sydney Luttrull led The Pledge of Allegiance prior to the ceremony.

Class Valedictorian Karley Smith and Salutatorian Casey Hinkle addressed the gathering. The Highland band and choir performed under the direction of Ryan Christian.

High School Principal Alan Koch presented the class and talked about honors won by graduating seniors.

Reported Private and College Scholarships for the Highland HS Class of 2015 reported over four years was $1,101,093 as of May 22, 2015.

Among listed honors won by the Highland Class of 2015 were the George Washington Carver Awards, Missouri A+ Program, Academic Excellence Awards.

The MFA Foundation Awards, Mark Twain Rural Telephone Scholarship, Elks Lodge, Canton Eagles Auxiliary 1800 Scholarship.

The Williard Hetzler and Barb Whitaker Memorial Scholarships, LaBelle Rodeo Scholarship, Highland Scholar Athlete Award and the MSHSAA Award of Excellence.

The Awards and Scholarships took the better part of two typewritten pages single-spaced to list.

Superintendent John French and Board President Randy Sharpe presented diplomas.

Principal Alan Koch presented the Class of 2015 to the gathering as Highland High School Graduates.

Ceremonies were followed by a brief celebration and a reception in the High School commons.