Jayhawk class of 2023 honored in graduation ceremony

Members of the Jayhawk-Linn High School class of 2023 celebrate the end of their K-12 education on Saturday, May 13, at graduation exercises. (Photos by Roger Sims/Linn County Journal)

Commencement exercises at Jayhawk-Linn High School on Saturday, May 13, honored 36 members of the class of 2023.

Seniors walked into the auditorium as school accompanist Suzanne Thompson played the processional "Pomp and Circumstance" on the piano. Class co-president Marissa Batcheler led the seniors and the estimated 300-plus guests in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by co-president Giavona Schneider giving the invocation.

District Superintendent Shawn Thomas welcomed the gathering, and challenged the group of seniors to make their mark in the world.

JLHS class of 2023 class president Marissa Batcheler and classmate Lukas Felix walk solemnly into the gym for the ceremony.

Seven valedictorians were honored. They included Madeline Batcheler, Brynn Collier, Jeret Nichols, Dylan Nickelson, Jaidyn Pointer, Anna Schneider and Giavona Schneider. Most of the valedictorians gave brief addresses.

To the strains of a recording of “Humble and Kind” seniors fanned out among the audience handing flowers to family members and others who had been supportive during their formative years.

One of seven valedictorians, Brynn Collier addresses her class during the ceremony.

Five members of the Jayhawk USD 346 Board of Education assisted with handing out diplomas to the newly minted graduates.

Finally, Principal Bob Beckham presented the class of 2023 followed by the traditional tossing of the mortarboard caps by 36 people who, in that moment, became alumni.

"Life is a Highway" played over the loudspeakers as the graduates made their way into the hallways and outside to be greeted by family and friends.