Seniors prepare to say goodbye to SHS

According to counselor Susan Jadwin, 152 graduates are expected to accept diplomas Friday.

“This class was the first freshmen class that I had as an administrator,” said Clay Moody, SHS assistant principal. “I had taught and coached some of them the two previous years. They are a good class and have made great progress throughout their years at Salem High School, becoming strong in academics, athletics and all other co-and extracurricular activities.”

Valedictorians are Zachary Erway, Alexandra Major, Joshua Sirois, Brenna Tatom, Mackenzie Teague, and Sydney Wood. Salutatorian is Madison Knight.

Several awards will be presented during the ceremony, including valedictorian and salutatorian, senior class citizenship awards, a school citizenship award, and best all around boy and girl awards.

Scholarships were presented at a previous ceremony held April 26.

Performing at commencement are the Salem High School band and Chamber Singers.

Each senior class is able to choose a song to represent the class. The class of 2016 chose, “Verge” by Owl City. Lyrics include, “Out on the verge of the rest of our lives tonight, Top of the world and we're dressed to the nines tonight, Edge of the earth and we're touching the sky tonight, Out on the verge of the rest of our lives (the rest of our lives).”

Class sponsors are Nicholas Frillman, William Hubbs, Amanda Irwin, JoAnna Mueller, Eric Myers and Rob Wofford.

The annual baccalaureate service was held Sunday at Grace Community Church.

Project Graduation will be held 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. the night of graduation. Students will travel to Kokomo Joe's and The Zone in Rolla for the celebration, according to organizers.

Future plans for graduates include 100 students continuing their education in two- or four-year schools, and 12 planning for the military.

“This was a class of diverse talents. A class with strong leaders. I am confident they will be successful in their future endeavors,” said Marty Anderson, high school principal.

Further coverage on commencement exercises, including photos of the class of 2016, will be available in the graduation special section appearing in the May 24 edition of The Salem News.