35 students graduate here
DAVENPORT - Smiles, tears, laughs and solemness were all part of the story as 35 graduates were awarded their high school diplomas at the Davenport High School graduation Saturday, June 8.
Superintendent Chad Prewitt opened the ceremony by leading attendees in a moment of silence for Davenport High alumni Alan Kysar, Blake Wilson and Braedon Efraimson, who were killed in a car crash on Harrington-Tokio Road Friday, June 7.
Prewitt also acknowledged the trio would want the ceremony to focus on the 2024 graduates, and therefore sent proceedings to the processional following the moment of silence.
Graduates entered the stage to "Pomp and Circumstance" as played by the band under Rob Harper's direction. They were escorted by juniors Thomas Furman and Tessa Cormier.
Lane Sewall and Owen Telford led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, then Jacob Harvey offered an invocation.
Jensyn Jacobsen gave a welcome, and Samantha Odenrider thanked the community for their support of graduates.
Co-valedictorians Emma Cormier and Maddox Schumacher took the mic next. Schumacher shared a memory of taking an overnight trip in sixth grade where he and five classmates inadvertently awoke Jeff Gunning from his slumber, to less than desirable outcomes for the schoolboys.
Cormier said her favorite memory was twice winning Powder Puff homecoming competitions as sophomores and seniors. She then welled up with tears as she expressed sadness with high school coming to a close.
"Our paths are leading in many different directions." Cormier said. "Take it all in, because before you know it, your time is up."
Schumacher concluded the valedictorian addresses by thanking parents, coaches, teachers and school district staff.
Salutatorian Chase Zellmer also offered his "heartfelt thanks" to dedicated staff members, family and friends.
Koda Coffman recited the Athenian Oath, and Prewitt acknowledged School Board members Garrett Husky, Tami Odenrider, Erica Winzer, Janie Schreck and Lorin Lathrop.
Following an 11-minute senior slide show, high school principal Noelle Carstens and teacher Todd Hargrave bestowed the graduates with their diplomas.
After the class was presented, graduates recessed to the outer lawn to the Gorilla Fight Song.
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