Prairie View graduating class deemed 'exceptional' by administrators

Seniors Ashlyn Kennedy, left, and Isabella Andrews-Prior enter the Prairie View High School gym to the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" during commencement on Sunday, May 18.

Story and photos by Roger Sims, rsims@linncountyjournal.com

More than 10% of the Prairie View High School class of 2025 received special honors during the school's graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 18. Six valedictorians, one salutatorian and two winners of the annual citizenship award were announced.

But both PVHS Principal Kate Gronquist and Superintendent Chris Johnson praised all of the students in the class the their exceptional work during the school year.

Wearing his robe and hood like other faculty members, band director Jeffery Russell conducts the PVHS band through a pre-ceremony litany of tunes.

About half of the class participated in Career and Technical Education classes, and a quarter of the class were members of the National Honor Society.

All six valedictorians and the salutatorian briefly addressed the audience, each sharing a different perspective on what high school has meant to them.

Ryleigh Lueker, the class salutatorian, spoke first. She noted that while graduation marked the ending of an era, it also was the beginning of the rest of their lives. She challenged her classmates to make use of the life that was before them.

Six valedictorians and one salutatorian from the PVHS class of 2025 are honored during the ceremony and each delivered a brief message to the audience. Honorees included, from left, salutatorian Ryleigh Lueker and valedictorians Wylie Teagarden, Isabella Stolle, Mason Mitzner, Lilah McCarty, Amy Andersen, and Bree Allen at the podium.

Amy Andersen delivers her valedictorian address to her peers and their families.

Valedictorians Bree Allen and Mason Mitzner's subject revolved around failure. Allen, a state champion distance runner who has also lost races, noted that failure doesn't define her. She encouraged classmates to not fear failure but to expect it will happen and learn from it. Mitzner pointed to the Buffalos losses in basketball as a way to learn to work through hardship and become leaders.

Valedictorian Amy Andersen thanked the classmates that had supported her. And she also thanked teachers for helping her be successful.

Lilah McCarty, also a valedictorian, encouraged students to reach out and encourage people around them.

Valedictorians Bella Stolle and Wylie Teagarden ecouraged their peers to be conscious of their actions. Stolle encouraged seniors to slow down and appreciate what has been given them. "Tomorrow is not guaranteed," she reminded them. Teagarden said that even though an action might seem small, it could cause a ripple effect with consequences. She ended her speech with a prayer for her classmates.

Laura Steenbergen embraces her son Grant as he hands her a green and white carnation as seniors fan out across the gym to recognize parents for their support and love during their school years.

Bryson Schull appears to reflect on the gravity of the ceremony.

Two members of the Prairie View USD 362 Board of Education were able to hand out diplomas to their daughters. Left, Wade Teagarden embraces Wylie after handing her a diploma, and at right, Brian Lueker presents his daughter Ryleigh with her diploma. Other board members handing out diplomas included Brian Uphoff and George Nunnemacher.

Members of the PVHS choir perform "Memories" under the direction of James Beltz.

With diplomas in hand, seniors move the tassels on their caps from right to left signifying the end of this phase in their educational journey.

Newly minted alumni celebrate by tossing caps and streamers into the air.

Jewel Mowrey celebrates with family members following the ceremony, incuding her 2-year-old niece Ellery, who at times walked up and down the sidelines carrying her aunt's likeness.

The Prairie View High School Class of 2025: