KEMMERER — The Kemmerer Junior/Senior High School graduating class of 2023 signed out Saturday afternoon in a compelling ceremony in the high school gym on May 27, 2023. This class had a total of 46 students who received their diplomas.

Principal Shawn Rodgers invited Karl Haslem — class Salutatorian — to welcome everyone to the ceremony. In Haslem’s speech, he spoke about how everyone had a varied and bright future ahead of them, “Whether it be to go on to travel around the state, the country or the world or stay home: from higher education, to entering the workforce, to serving missions, to serving in the armed forces.” This shows the diversity amongst them.

​Rodgers then invited class vice-president and valedictorian Alana Graley to speak. Graley stated that when their class wanted to do something they stepped up; this helped to shape their interests in what is around them. 

Graley also noted that this year’s seniors had to start their high school careers when COVID first began, which drastically impacted their learning experience; she also took the opportunity to thank her mom, sister, friends and Mrs. Schramm.

Warren Haslem then introduced the commencement speaker, Mr. Jonathan Willoughby. Willoughby explained in his speech that he was from Greenville, Mississippi. He started the speech off with jokes, mostly about himself, including that he has never met a stranger. Willoughby graduated from Delta State University in Mississippi, where he met his wife, Jessie. They moved to Kemmerer together in 2012. He said that all the kids told him that he did a lot of preaching, and that he still preaches to them around town. Willoughby said that you can control three things: Your attitude, your effort and your grades.

Willoughby continued by sharing four rules. First, work hard — no matter what you choose after today. This means to wake up and choose to put everything into your day.

Second, make the choice  not only to succeed, but excel in any and everything you do. There’s nothing wrong with being successful, but those who choose to excel will change the world.

Third, be kind. Willoughby noted there is ugliness all around, and we are facing unprecedented times. Everyone is going through something you know nothing about, so choose to be the bright spot in someone’s life. He mentioned that letters were placed in his mailbox at school on a bad day that made his day better.

Finally, Willoughby told the graduates to enjoy life, have fun and take care of themselves. He then quoted Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” He reminded the students, if you don’t take care of yourself then you can’t take care of the people around you.”

Mont Haslem then introduced the teacher of the year, Colby Merritt. Merritt said she hopes they always remember their roots and, while as an English teacher she is never at a loss for words, she was having a hard time. She also highlighted how the community around her has molded her into who she is today. Merritt said she is thankful every day for such great colleagues and students.

​Rodgers then announced the graduates’ names, and as they made their way across the stage, they shook the hands of many of their teachers, with some of them giving them hugs. Best of all, 46 seniors had ping pong balls they gave to Mr. Willoughby, who had no clue what to do with them. And then they smiled as their diplomas were put into their hands.

​After the ceremony, family and friends gathered to take photos and celebrate the graduates.

When Amelia Despain was asked what having graduated high school means to her, she responded with, “Being able to work through personal challenges.”

Karl Haslem said, “It felt good, and all the work had paid off.”

Asked what class found the most enjoyable and why, Timothy Peck said class strength training. Why?

“Coach Jernigan is the GOAT,” he answered. The acronym has become a common replacement for “Greatest Of All Time.”

Landon Heaps was asked what advice he’d give his younger self upon entering high school.

“Don’t be stupid,” Heaps replied.

​After a successful ceremony, we would like to congratulate the senior class of 2023 and wish them the best on their future endeavors.