North Gem graduates!
Hats so high in the sky they were out of range of this picture’s upper margin.
All good things must come to an end, and that was the case for North Gem’s seniors, who took their final walk across the stage at last Wednesday’s graduation in Bancroft. As is often the case for the high school, the group of students that ended the night as confident seniors began their journey mostly together as uncertain kindergartners. While students come and go a bit over the years, this core group stayed fairly consistent during the course of the decade plus of formal schooling, and a set of images—one taken during kindergarten and the other earlier last week—proves that to be the case in a remarkable way, one that is increasingly rare across the country these days.
The class of 2025 was composed of S.J. Cook (class Secretary), Kaly Foster, Rusty Hatch (class Representative), Ryver Hayden, Casey Hill, Mercedez Mabey (class Vice President), Kamaka Miller, Luke Rindlisbaker, Lukky Welker, and Katelyn Whiting (class President). S.J. Cook presented the class gift.
One thing that is remarkable about the North Gem tradition is that all the seniors have a distinct role in the graduation. Mercedez Mabey welcomed the audience and guests. Katelyn Whiting led the Pledge. Luke Rindlisbaker provided the invocation. S.J. Cook presented the class gift. Kamaka Miller introduced Jerry Bean. Lukky Welker introduced the slide show. This year’s Salutatorian was Kaly Foster. The Valedictorian was Rusty Hatch. Teacher Cathy DeWitt as the Keynote was introduced by Ryver Hayden.
The night also featured the entertaining opening of a time capsule that had been set aside when the graduating class was in third grade fifteen years ago. Former North Gem teacher Jerry Bean joined the students in revealing a capsule’s worth of memories, some of which were heartwarming, some practical, and some truly mystifying.
The North Gem Board of Trustees is chaired by Raini Hayden, and includes Brandi Wakley, Marc Holbrook, Paul Curtis, Malissa Barfuss, Krissy LaMont, and Superintendent Kyler Miller. Mrs. Olorenshaw provided the musical accompaniment.
Congratulations to North Gem’s graduates—may you continue your success and achievements into the future!
