MOKANE - This year's South Callaway High School graduates raised the bar, South Callaway R-2 Superintendent Kevin Hillman said.
"It seems like each graduating class is at the top of the district and state in accomplishments," he said.
Friday evening, 61 seniors gathered one last time in SCHS's gym to celebrate their bright futures and remember the good times.
"Our class motto is from Dr. Seuss," salutatorian Jessica Buckner said. "'Sometimes you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.' We will all look back on this moment we're in right now."
The school will remember these graduates, too.
"These students have made quite an impression," Principal Heather Helsel said.
Buckner and valedictorian Daniel McDonald thanked the instructors, administrators and family members who've guided the class through their school career.
"Most graduation speeches are just a giant 'thank you,' but I now understand why that's the pattern," McDonald said. "In this one small thank you is reflected an (immense) gratitude."
He urged his classmates to hold on to the relationships they've built so far and to find time to have fun.
"Whatever you choose to do with your life, don't forget to enjoy it," he said.
High school counselor Lindsey Even said this class excelled academically. The seniors earned about $446,000 in scholarships. A third of the class, 21 students, belonged to the National Honors Society. More than a dozen seniors earned A+ scholarships.
The top five academic performers, in ascending order, were Treysen Gray, Mackenzie Wetherell, Gabe Williamson, Buckner and McDonald.
Hillman sent the graduates off with some words of encouragement that stand out to him among the many graduation ceremonies over which he's presided.
"This is not the end, this is the start," he said. "No matter what the next step is, do the best you can."