Graduation caps soared into the air at New Bloomfield High School gym on Friday, after 36 students from the Class of 2023 graduated from New Bloomfield High School.
Paul Cloudwright, Principal of New Bloomfield High School, commenced the graduation ceremony by acknowledging friends, family and staff members that helped aid the graduates through childhood.
"You all in attendance our community and family, built this moment with your love and sweat and tears and hugs and cries and 18 years of accumulated moments," Cloudwright said. "And now, here we all are together as one community, one family excited to see how far our seniors reached past this day and reach past this moment."
Each graduate then gave out two roses to loved ones, to commemorate their help in the student's life.
At the ceremony, Class of 2023 President Raegan Smart, gave a speech in which she recalled many fond memories she has had in New Bloomfield, including snow days, her senior field trip and jumping on bouncy houses.
Afterward, guest speaker, Brooke Johansen, told the graduates 20 pieces of advice, including not to "throw deuces out these doors as soon as you leave today."
"This place New Bloomfield, Missouri is very special," Johansen said. "People show up for people here, on their best days and on their worst. Not everywhere you go you have that kind of support, believe me, I have looked. So, take New Bloomfield with you, and show up for people wherever you are."
After Johansen's speech, a large screen displayed pictures of the graduates throughout their life along with a quote of their choosing.
Valedictorian of the New Bloomfield Class of 2023 was awarded to Brinley Dysart. Dysart was the only student awarded Summa Cum Laude, an award given to students with a grade point average of 3.7 or above. She plans to attend the University of Missouri to pursue a career in occupational therapy.
Salutatorian of the New Bloomfield Class of 2023 was awarded to Avery Nicholas. Nicholas plans to attend Moberly Area Community College to complete its nursing program, then attend the University of Missouri to pursue a career as a registered nurse.
Magna Cum Laude was awarded to: Emaline Clark, Eve Massman, Avery Nichols, Raegan Smart and Emma Suedmeyer. Students must have gained a grade point average of 3.4 or above to receive this award
Cum Laude was awarded to: Brendon Carter, Nicholas Gordon, Briana Jackson, Liberty Larsen, Nathan Mueller, Brooklynn Smith, Emma Verdugo and Harlee Williams. Students must have gained a grade point average of 3.0 or above to receive this award.