As seniors prepare to walk across the stage to become graduates, many of them recall good times they have had in their 13-year education and give some advice for students they are leaving behind.

  Payton Adair is the daughter of Shawn and Stephanie Adair. She was involved in NHS, Student Council, softball, FBLA, FCCLA, Science Club, Finance Club, art, and choir. The thing she’ll miss most is softball and all “the rad adventures I went on with all of my hoodrat friends.” Adair’s future plans are to obtain a business degree in finance at the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

  Damian Adams is the son of Melissa Miller and Joe Coke. He was involved in football, basketball, track and science club. The thing he’ll miss most about high school is being around his best friends almost everyday. Adams’ best memory were the pep rallies. His future plans are to attend the University of Central Missouri and study both Criminal Justice and psychology to become an investigator and eventually work in the the FBI.

  Dakota Barnett is the son of James Barnett. He plans to attend State Fair Community College. His best memory from high school was prom.

  Megan Barnett is the daughter of Jamie Hill and Jamie Barnett. She was involved in Band, Color Guard, English Club and FBLA. Her future plans are to become a teacher or social worker. She plans on attending State Fair and UCM. Barnett’s best memory from high school is being a part of color guard. Her advice for younger student is to stay caught up on work.

  Skylar Blake is the son of Theresa Waters and Shawn Blake. He was involved in FCCLA and SkillsUSA through VoTech. His advice is “just get it over with.”

  Stephanie Blake, daughter of Steve and Michelle Blake, was involved in softball and FBLA. She will attend Missouri State University. She wants to become a nurse practitioner. Her advice is “stay focused.”

  Andrew Bozarth is the son of Ray and Jodi Utter. He was involved in baseball, wrestling, football and pep club. His future plans are to get a job as an electrician. His best memory from high school was coming to school for his education.

  Rickie Branson is the daughter of Rick and Sharla Branson. She was involved in Madrigal, NHS, student government, track, cross country, English Club, Math Club, Unofficial Art Club, speech, A+, Missouri All-State Choir, 4-H, Ignite Youth Group, Lakeside Mennonite Camp Staff, Academic Team and Political Science Club. Her future plans are to attend Northwest Missouri State University to major in biology and become a zoologist or microbiologist. “Keep fighting the good fight! High School brings different struggles to every individual, but you can’t let it get to you. Be yourself, uphold your values, don’t try to fit in so much that you change those things.”

  Marissa Brown is the daughter of Leland and Mary Brown. She was involved in Pep Club, archery, STUCO, FCA, Voices of The Youth, band, FCCLA, FBLA and yearbook. Her future plans are to attend State Fair and major in business management, and also specialize in retail and marketing management. Her best memory from high school was having overnight work nights for yearbook and playing flashlight tag at two in the morning and falling out of a trash can. “I will miss the teachers who always have their doors open if you have any problems, even if it has nothing to do with the class they teach.”   

  Eric Caldwell is the son of Lori and Brian Caldwell. He was involved in baseball throughout high school. His future plans are attend Blue River College. His best memory from high school would have to be going to state his junior year for baseball. His advice for younger students is, “school doesn’t define your work ethic, it only tests patience and obedience.”

  Raven Caswell is the daughter of Vania Caswell and Doug Stebbins. She was involved in softball, basketball, STUCO, Madrigal, Pep Club, yearbook and A+ tutoring. Her future plan is to attend Paul Mitchell Academy and pursue a career in doing hair and nails. A piece of advice she would give to a younger student is “never procrastinate, it’ll bite you in the butt.”

  Bridget Clarke is the daughter of Theresa Clarke. She was involved in English Club, STUCO, NHS, yearbook, Women’s Choir, Madrigal, Pep Club and speech throughout high school. Her future plan consists of moving to Venice, Florida and attending the University of South Florida. Eventually, she will decide between becoming a marine biologist or an aquatic vet. “Although they (my classmates) can drive me crazy and I probably drive them crazy, we’ve grown up together and it’s going to be weird not seeing them every day,” she said.

  Terrence Conness is the son of Shari and Harvey May. He was involved in football, track, basketball, A+ and pep club. His future plans are to attend State Fair and then  transfer to UCM. His best advice for younger students is “enjoy it, time really does fly.”

  Albert Cormack  is the son of Albert and Debbie Cormack. He was involved in pep club during high school. He said he would miss “sitting next to Kaitlyn because she is just the coolest ever.”

  Jayce Chenault  is the son of Angelia and Justin Chenault. He was involved in basketball throughout high school. Chenault plans on attending Missouri Valley. His best memory from high school is “flexing on all the girls in school.”

  Dracie Davidson is the granddaughter of Sue Davidson. She was involved in pep club, English Club, unofficial art club, newspaper and yearbook throughout high school.  Her future plans are to attend OTC and become a graphic designer, who will eventually own her own studio. Her advice is “don’t be scared to be with everyone else. Just have fun and make as many memories as possible.”

  Keyona Davis is the daughter of Greg and Mackenzie Davis. She was involved in softball, wrestling manager, track & field, Madrigal, Pep Club, Science Club, English Club and Finance Club. Her future plans are to attend SFCC and achieve her associate’s degree and then transfer to UCM and major in psychology and sociolog and work with retired veterans. She said she will miss “the close bond our class had. We grew together as a class and became unstoppable.”

  Craig DeWitt is the son of Jamie and Jennifer DeWitt. He was involved in football, wrestling and track. His best memory was “pick up games in the gym.”

  Raniece DeWitt is the daughter of Rick and Betty Dewitt. She was involved in cheer, softball, choir, FCCLA, Women’s Choir and Pep Club throughout high school. Her future plans are to attend State Fair and then transfer to Missouri State to study law or business.

  Patrick Dickey II is the son of Patrick Dickey Sr. He was involved in football, track and CTC. Dickey plans on getting a job and living in Sedalia. His favorite memory was getting his first varsity letter.

  Ciera Drake is the daughter of Kelly and Scott Drake. She was involved in archery, Performance Choir, Women’s Choir and pep club. Her favorite memory was during freshman year when she was able to see her best friend Keely’s face first thing every morning. Her future plans are to attend college and then eventually start a family.

  Cheyenne Duffy  is the daughter of Chad Duffy. She was involved in cheer, volleyball, softball, FFA and choir throughout her high school career. She plans to attend college and get a degree in culinary arts then onto a business degree and eventually open up her own bakery. She is currently enrolled in OTC in Springfield.

  Sarah Easter is the daughter of Ralph and Melissa Easter. She was involved in Performance Choir, Women’s Choir and garden club. Her future plans are to go to SFCC for general ed classes.

  Christopher Ervin is the son of Tim and Diane Ervin. He was involved in FFA, Madrigal and STUCO. His future plans are to attend SFCC to become a Auto Mechanics Technician. His favorite memory was the New York trip with Madrigal.

  Shyla Estes is the daughter of Lance and Tamena Estes. She was involved in Madrigal Singers, volleyball, track, manager of the wrestling team, Pep Club and senior video. She plans to attend SFCC for her first two years and then transfer to College of the Ozarks for her last two years. She plans on becoming a third grade teacher. Her advice is “never slack. You’ll regret it senior year.”

  Garrett Eledge is the son of Kim and Chad Eledge. His advice for younger students  is to stay in school and graduate.  

  Trevor Fajen is the son of Brandy Fajen. He was involved in FBLA, FCCLA and ProStart. His future plans are to attend OTC for Culinary Arts. His one piece of advice is “don’t mess with the seniors.”

  Mason Flippin is the son of Dennis and Amy Flippin. He was involved in track. His future plans are to take life one day at a time and enjoy the people around him. He plans on staying in Warsaw with his family. The thing he will miss most from high school is the teachers that he liked and seeing his friends everyday.

  Travis Gibson is the son of Darrell and Robin Gibson. He was involved in choir and piano. His future goals are to help people, preferably as a psychologist. He plans to attend State Fair Community College. His advice is to, “relax. It is not all easy, but it doesn’t have to stress you out either.”

  Taylor Goetz is the daughter of Tracy Johnson and Jaysen Goetz. She was involved in band, jazz band and volleyball. She plans to attend Central Methodist in Fayette to become a probation therapist. Her favorite memory from high school was when a group of 12 kids went to Skyzone and played dodgeball for two hours.

  John Hargrave is the son of Todd Hargrave. He was involved in cross country. John plans to join the Marine Corps when he gets out of high school. If he could give a piece of advice to younger students, it would be “It gets better.”

  Thane Henderson is the son of Thad and Kristy Henderson. He was involved in Student Council, NHS, FFA, Science Club, and Pep Club. He will attend State Fair Community College and then Mizzou. He will miss seeing all of his friends during high school. “Be involved as possible.”

  Robert Hensley is the son of Gail and Gary Hensley. He was involved in football, track, and art club. He plans to go to college and earn an art degree. One piece of advice that he would give to younger students is, “don’t quit at the last minute.”

  Jazmine Holbert is the daughter of Shari and Roy Cunniff. She was involved in Women’s Choir and math club. She wants to attend Go Ministeries International in Shreveport, LA to become a missionary. Her best high school memory is the “Annie” musical.

  Justin Jachetta-Whitmire is the son of Gina Jachetta and Harvey Whitmire. He was involved in English club, science club, golf, student council, pep club, finance club, and multimedia. His future plans are to attend the University of Central Missouri and pursue a degree in construction management. His favorite memories are pep rallies and the intense basketball games. “Senior year has been the most enjoyable year of my high school career. I feel like a majority of our class has grown together and we have made lifetime friendships.”

  Jaime Jimenez Jr. is the son of Lea and Jaime Jimenez. He was involved in golf, basketball, and Pep Club. He wants to go to SFCC and then UCM and get a job in engineering.

  Emrye Johnson’s future plans are to attend State Fair. Her best memory was her senior prom. “I felt like I really fit in.” She wanted to thank her teacher Mr. (Drake) Yeager for, “being there when I needed someone there.”

  Jessica Jones is the daughter of Andrea Jones. She was involved in FBLA. She wants to attend State Fair to become a nurse. She will miss the pep club at the basketball games. One piece of advice that she would give to underclassmen is don’t get involved in drama.

  Michael Kephart Jr. is the son of Patricia Stolle and Mike Kephart. He was involved in golf, track, cross country, basketball, Student Council, Pep Club, and NHS. His future goals are to go into the Air Force. He will miss “getting the gigs in Mr. V’s class with Jaime and Kyle every day.”

  Madison Lane is the daughter of Rob and Patty Lane. She was involved in band, Madrigal, Speech Team, volleyball, Garden Club, drumline, and Pep Club. Her future plans are to go to UCM to attend the aviation program to become a commercial airline pilot. Lane’s best memory from high school was the band bus rides. If she could give a piece of advice to younger students, it would be “don’t be lazy, do your work and get good grades.”

  Kaitlyn Laue is the granddaughter of Peggy and Andy Laue. She was involved in volleyball, basketball, track, English club, student council, FBLA, FCA, science club, and Ignite Ministries. Her future plans are to attend Central Methodist University to receive a Bachelor’s in Science Nursing and to become specialized in pediatrics. Laue will miss the bond that she and the other students had together, they were all really close. Laue’s piece of advice for the younger students is to “not wish high school away because it goes by faster and faster each year.”

  Katie Lee is the daughter of Gary and Maggie McMillin. She was involved in FBLA and FFA. Lee’s future plans are to attend State Fair Community College to get her general education then to attend Mizzou to become a veterinarian. She will miss getting to see her classmates that she has grown up with over the years. If she could give advice to younger students, she would tell them “don’t rush high school because you will be graduating before you know it.”

  Austin McCall is the son of James and Christie Bartley. He was involved in Student Council, yearbook, NHS, Science Club, basketball, Art Club, Pep Club, A+, FCA, Voices of the Youth, multimedia, and football. McCall’s future plans are to go to State Fair Community College to get his associates of arts degree and to attend University of Central Missouri to get his bachelor’s of science to become a detective. His advice to younger students is to never say you can’t do something. McCall will miss how this year’s senior class was close and that their class has made a difference and impact on other students.

  Timothy McClusky is the son of Patricia McClusky. McClusky was involved in Pro-Start. His future plan is to attend Kenai Peninsula College in Alaska. His favorite memories from high school were the snow days. If he could give a piece of advice to a younger student it would be to “Let it go, Let it go, become one with the wind and sky. Let it go, Let it go, you will never see my cry.”

  Kristen McMillin is the daughter of Lori and Mark Phillips. She was involved in FBLA. McMillin’s future plans are to attend State Fair Community College to become a Radiology Technician. Her best memory from high school was the assemblies because everybody wanted to participate.

  Madeline McMillin is the daughter of Jay and Sylvia McMillin. She was involved in English Club, Science Club, track, Madrigal, pep club, and NHS. She plans to attend Mizzou and become a Chemical Engineer. McMillin’s favorite memory from high school was Madrigal’s California Trip. She would advise the younger students to make every moment count, because they will regret not making the most of every situation.

  Kylie McRoberts is the daughter of Teresa and Eric Flores and Aaron and Shevaun McRoberts. She was involved in softball, basketball, band, Madrigal, golf, Science Club, Pep Club, NHS, and Student Council. Her future plans are to attend Drury University to major in secondary education and mathematics while also playing softball. McRoberts will miss her friends. “I’ve grown up with these people since kindergarten, and some since preschool. It’s going to be different not knowing anyone where I’m going.”

  Kyle Nevius is the son of Crystal and Jody Bates and Danny and Stacey Morrison. He was involved in Golf, Basketball, Football, Student Council, FBLA, Science Club, and Pep Club. Nevius’ future plans are to attend State Fair Community College, then to attend Mizzou to become an engineer. He will miss his friends the most and if he could give advice to a younger student it would be to stay focused but have fun.

  Haylee Pals is the daughter of Jason and Loree Pals. She was involved in Women’s Choir, Madrigal, pep club, English Club, and Science Club. Pals plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University. Pals says she will miss her friends and the little memories they made everyday the most out of high school. If she could give advice to younger students, it would be “Keep up on your work, take classes seriously, but don’t forget to have fun and enjoy being in high school while you can.”

  Devon Parish is the son of Kristie and Adrian Roberts. He was involved in basketball and football. Parish’s future plans are to go to college at Missouri Valley, then to have a successful job and a happy life. His best memories were made by spending time with his friends, and if he could give advice to a younger student, he would tell them “don’t be influenced by anyone’s mind but your own.”

  Melissa Parker is the daughter of Rose Parker. She was involved in yearbook and choir. She plans to attend State Fair Community College for her general education, then to attend Full Sail University for her degree. “My class is awesome-sauce, and we all feel like a family. But it’s good to know that we are all moving on to bigger and better things that life has to offer, and honestly high school isn’t ‘the best time of your life’ it’s just the time of self discovery. My class has always been supportive of one another, which is awesome, but rare. Which is a great feeling. So, go Class of 2k16! We Rock!” Parker said.

 Carter Phillips is the son of Bill and Ellen Phillips. He was involved in Science Club, FBLA and unofficial Art Club. Phillips will attend State Fair and then join the Air Force before pursuing his education further. His favorite high school memory was when his brother surprised him at his first “beauty pageant.” His advice is “hang in there and focus on your grades. Don’t get distracted by the foolish things others will be doing. Study even when you feel confident over the material.”

 Cassie Pittman is the daughter of Alan and Sondi Pittman. She was involved in FCCLA, FBLA, English Club, Science Club, Women’s Choir, and Band. Pittman’s future plans are to attend Crowder College for 2 years then her second college is undecided. She is going to school to  become a Veterinary Surgeon. Her best memories were the band and club trips. If she could give younger students a piece of advice, it would be “If you didn’t see it with your own eyes, or hear it with your own ears, don’t invent it with your own mind or spread it with your own mouth, because it will create problems you don’t need.”

 Johnathan Plybon is the son of John and Lisa Plybon. He was involved in cross country, track and basketball. His future plans are to receive his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and be a Missouri Highway Patrolman. Plybon’s best memories from high school was playing sports and making lifetime memories with all of his friends.

  Amanda Pool is the daughter of Janelle Williams and Chris Pool. She was involved in band. Pool’s future plans are to attend Mizzou to become a vet. Her best memory from high school was when Mr. Henderson started whistling the song “Dessert” in the middle of class. A piece of advice Pool would give to younger students would be that “whatever you’re mad or worried about now won’t even matter to you in a year.”

  Mary Porter is the daughter of Bonnie Westfall. She was involved in NHS, Women’s Choir, Math Club, Academic Team, Political Science Club, and FBLA. Porter plans to attend State Fair Community College for the first two years then to attend Mizzou. Porter’s best memories were the spirit weeks because they were “terribly fun.” She also says the thing she will miss most about high school is her friends because they are a family and she loves and will miss each and every one of them.

  Kaitlyn Reed is the daughter of Michelle and Glynn Reed. Reed was involved in Unofficial Art Club, multimedia, and planning Project Graduation, and Baccalaureate. Her future plans include attending State Fair Community College for two years then college in Springfield or Warrensburg for two years to become a physical therapist. “When people say ‘don’t grow up so fast because it’s here before you know it,’ it’s true. Senior year goes by super fast. You say you want it to end, but when it’s actually time to graduate and leave you won’t be ready.”

  Austin Reynolds is the son of Jason Reynolds and Crystal Dodd. He was involved in Band and Jazz band. His future plans are to attend Crowder College for the first two years then to complete a degree at another college. He wants to become an epidemiologist after medical school. Reynolds’ best memory from high school were all of the awesome band experiences with Mr. Johnson and the rest of the band. He will miss “the band family” the most about high school. His piece of advice would to be involved in everything.

  Joshua Richey is the son of Mary Richey. He was involved in basketball. Richey’s future plans are to join the Marines. He will miss his friends. His favorite memory was attending the school basketball games. Richey’s advice to younger students is to never quit.

  Alexis Riga is the daughter of Amy and Justin Riga. She was involved in cheerleading, English Club, journalism, and FCCLA. Her future plans are to attend State Fair Community College during the spring of 2017 and to get her general education, then go to Central Methodist University to pursue her elementary teaching degree. Riga’s best memory from high school is winning Echoes queen. “It was an exciting moment for me during the hard senior year I was having because it showed how many people do support me and were happy for me.”

  Shawn Riggs is the son of Jonathan Riggs. He is involved in trap shooting and FFA. Riggs plans to attend Lincoln University in Jefferson City and would like to become a game warden. His piece of advice for younger students is to do their homework and not to stress about tests.

  Chassidy Ryles is the daughter of  Michela and Randy Leibold and Randy and Jamie Ryles. She was involved in FFA, FCCLA, and softball. Her future plans are to attend State Fair Community College to become an occupational therapist. Ryles’ best memory from high school was during softball. “Softball carried the most memories for me and there are way too many to recall just one best memory.”

  Austin Saffel is the son of Stacey Saffel. His future plans are to become a construction worker. If he could give advice to younger students it would be “don’t get in trouble’.

  Andrew Savage is the son of Scott and Stacie Savage. He is involved in band, Math Club, Science Club, Academic Team, and NHS. He plans on attending State Fair Community College to become a Registered Nurse. “High school is nothing but a stepping stone and, like everything else with high school, it will pass.”

  Claudia Schmitz is the daughter of Gene and Maggie Schmitz. She was involved in band, jazz band, FBLA, Math Club, Academic Team and A+. Her future plans are to travel as much as possible and continue to pursue music in some fashion. She will attend Temple University in Philadelphia, PA in the fall. Her favorite memory from high school was “sledding” down the school hill in cardboard boxes with Zach Long and Austin Reynolds during drum major days in the summer. One piece of advice she would give to younger students is to “get involved in as much as possible, and do your best! Success is possible.”

  Lydia Schockmann is the daughter of Michael and Deanna Schockmann. She was involved in band, Madrigal, NHS and FCCLA. She plans attend State Fair Community College and eventually become a music teacher. “Don’t focus on fitting in too much, by the time you reach your senior year, you realize that it doesn’t really matter.”

  Melissa Scrivener is the daughter of Grace Scrivener and Devan Atchley. She was involved in band, choir, cheerleading, FCCLA, NHS, and drumline. Her future plans are to move to Springfield, go to OTC and then transfer to MSU to get a degree in accounting, majoring in CPA and minoring in financial advising. She will miss seeing her friends every day and getting to enjoy the things like Prom and Echoes. “Get involved and do everything that you want to in high school because in the blink of an eye it’s over and you might regret the chances you never took.”

 Matthew Stebbins is the son of Lynn Bary. He was involved in speech team, academic team, and other “pick-up clubs.” He will attend OTC in the fall. “I’m going to be a paleontologist, no one will stop me!” “I am going to have a hard time adjusting to different poeple; everyone kind of feels like family,” he said.

  Austin Steenburgen is the son of Nathan and Laura Steenburgen. He was involved in football and track. His life goal is to become a dog trainer. His best memory from high school was playing football. He plans to attend the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

  Trevor Surrell is the son of Chris and Tawna Capek. He was involved in Pep Club, band, football, and wrestling. He wants to attend State Fair to become an electrical engineer. His favorite memory was his senior year of wrestling. “Get as much out of your high school years because they go by faster and faster.”

 Justice Taylor is the son of Russel and Christy Taylor. He was involved in FCCLA. He plans to attend OTC. He wants to become a paramedic when he graduates.

 Raymond Utter is the son of Jody and Raymond Utter. He was involved in football, basketball, and baseball. His future plans are to go to SFCC and work part time.

  Krista Wilborn is the daughter of Dana Wilborn. She was in involved in track. She plans to attend State Fair Community College and work in a daycare after high school. Her advice is “to focus on your school work.”

  Conner Wood is the son of Don and Terri Wood. He was involved in Madrigal. He wants to become a choir teacher after attending Missouri State University. “Never give up.”

  Derek Wright is the son of Judith Wright. He was involved in FFA, student council, academic team, and garden club to name a few.

Attempts were made to contact each senior, but some were unsuccessful. Ryan Flippin, Jordan Girtz, Taylor Hetherington, Alexis Lamont, Katelyn Lawson, Destiny Marshall, Destiny Pearson, Cameron Rice, Andy Schell, Richard Schliefert, Brandi Bilderback, Robert Cooper, Richard Cox, Dalton Davis, Parker Winegar, Frankie Simmons, and Jesse Stantorf did not respond.