Seventeen students graduate in Odessa

ODESSA - 17 students were bestowed with their high school diplomas at graduation Saturday, June 8.

The ceremony began with the processional and National Anthem, before principal Cori Kane welcomed the graduates and attendees.

"Graduates, today is a day you will remember for the rest of your lives. It marks not just the end of your high school journey, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter. This day is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. You have met every challenge with determination and have shown an unwavering commitment to your education," Kane said. "Today, we celebrate you."

Kane then bestowed the annual Citizenship award to Zach Claassen and Jacob Scrupps before introducing salutatorian Destiny Wiles.

"Today, although it is the start of a new chapter in our lives, it also means a fond farewell to the many influential figures who have helped mold our class into the remarkable individuals we are today," Wiles said. "Not only will we miss our mentors, fellow graduates, friends, and family, but we will also miss the many cherishable memories that we share."

Wiles shared a memory of each of her fellow classmates.

Claassen then began his valedictorian speech.

"We will forever cherish the memories of when we walked the halls of Odessa High School," Claassen said. "In those memories, we have come together several times, not just as classmates, but as friends. We all have had our disagreements, but most of the time we find ways to make it up to each other."

Following the senior class video, the other valedictorian, Scrupps, took the stage.

"Some of us have been here our whole life, others are newer. Either way, this class is special because of how close we have become," Scrupps said. "If you were to tell me six years ago that this group right here would all be good friends, I'd think you're lying. But here we are, sitting next to each other, about to cross this stage together."

Kimberly Ryan then recognized Dakota Steward for completing 256 hours of community service and announced the scholarships awarded to various graduates, which totaled $350,111.93.

Ryan then announced each graduate, each of whom strode across the stage to receive their diploma. Grad caps were tossed into the air as superintendent Steve Fisk presented the Class of 2024, which was followed by the recessional.