Jayhawk-Linn seniors receive diplomas in front of packed gym

Jayhawk-Linn High School class of 2025 valedictorian Callie Holt beams as she poses for a photo with Jayhawk USD 246 school board President Max Krull at the JLHS graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 10. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

By Roger Sims, rsims@linncountyjournal.com

MOUND CITY – The bleachers on both sides of the main gym at Jayhawk-Linn High School were packed on Saturday, May 10, as 39 seniors received their diplomas, tossed their mortarboard caps and shot confetti in the air before heading off to parties celebrating this milestone in their lives.

Guest speaker Brandon Clark addresses the capacity audience.

Brandon Clark was the guest speaker for the ceremony, which began with a processional played by pianist Suzanne Thompson, the Pledge of Allegiance led by senior class president Cierra Lindsey, and the invocation delivery by Brody Clark. Following a welcome by Jayhawk USD 346 Superintendent Shawn Thomas, valedictorians Dayson Eastwood and Callie Holt spoke.

Jayhawk Superintendent Shawn Thomas moves the tassel on valedictorian Grayson Eastwood's cap from right to left.

As "Mama's Song" by Carrie Underwood played, seniors fanned out across the audience to give red roses to those who have loved and supported them during their childhood. Following Clark's address, the students lined up to receive their diplomas, which were handed out by members of the Jayhawk board of education. Students shook hands with board members before ending up in front of Thomas, who moved the tassel on each student's cap from the right to the left, a final act recognizing the completion of their senior year.

Caps and confetti fly after school officials say the class of 2025 is done.

Following the ceremony, seniors filed out of the gym and had a few minutes together to reflect on the end of their K-12 career. Parents, siblings, relatives and friends began to pour out of the gym into the foyer or out onto the school grounds and the family celebrations were beginning with photos of the newly minted JLHS alumni.

New graduates are smiles, hugs and even tears as they gather in the foyer following the ceremony.

A happy Marlyn Gandara Sanchez carries armloads of gifts given to her by her family as she leaves the ceremony.

Here are images of students receiving their diplomas: