A very traditional and highly emotional commencement ceremony was held last Sunday, May 14 at Fleming High School. On a rainy, chilly Mother's Day, 19 members of the Class of 2023 parted ways with FHS.

The seniors entered the crowded gymnasium to an upbeat version of the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance." They took their seats on the stage at the head of the gym, facing those in attendance.

Class President Jaime Nab opened the ceremony welcoming those present. She shared the class' gratitude for the support they've been offered through the years. "We are grateful you can share the day with us," she said.

Harry Harms came to the stage to give the invocation as he has done for many years. Harms held back tears as he spoke of the group, which included his two youngest children - Madison "Maddy" and Harry. He asked Randy Kirkwood to come to the stage to give the prayer and concluded his time at the microphone by thanking the parents for raising people who are fun to be around and described the class as wonderful, amazing, valuable and admirable.

Following Kirkwood's prayer, Counselor Randy Stahley took the stage to announce scholarship recipients and future plans for each individual graduate. Stahley's presentation included recognition of Hunter Donovan who earned a Boettcher Scholarship. He noted that the scholarships earned by Donovan totaled $900,000.

Stahley also called senior Private Harry Harms to the podium. PVT Harms won a teddy bear in a raffle earlier this year. Stahley relayed that PVT Harms may have been embarrassed by the prize as he immediately relinquished ownership. Stahley kept the bear and returned it to PVT Harms suggesting that take it to boot camp when leaves at the end of May. PVT Harms has enlisted to serve eight years in the National Guard.

Stahley's presentation announced that Kally Kirkwood is this year's recipient of the Rhonda Kirkwood Memorial Scholarship - a scholarship established in memory of her aunt; and of the Adam Wernsman True Grit Scholarship given in memory of the son of longtime Fleming art teacher Kathy Wernsman. Kirkwood and fellow classmate Lexi Schaefer have committed to play volleyball at the collegiate level in the fall.

Braylen Feather presented the traditional class slideshow filled with photos of each graduate and their progression through childhood. The class of 2023 stood at the rear of the gym to view the presentation.

Following the slideshow, the class presented parents, family and friends with flowers and candy in appreciation. The graduates chose "Last Time Last" by Tenille Arts as their parent appreciation song for this year.

Principal Kortney Firme introduced Salutatorian Alaina "Laney" Schliesser. Schliesser spent her time at the podium speaking of "the good, the bad and the ugly" memories of the class of 2023. She thank the staff, coaches and advisors for all their efforts in providing opportunities for success. "We did it!" she said in conclusion.

Firme then introduced Valedictorian Jaime Nab. Nab addressed the desires of young people to grow up. "In fourth grade, we want to be in fifth grade; in eighth grade we want to be in high school," she said. She explained that now, graduates continue to yearn for completion of the next step, whether that be finishing their degree, making money or having freedom.

She concluded by saying that the futures they look forward to are filled with many possibilities. "I am so incredibly excited to see what all 19 of us do with the endless possibilities we have to look forward to," she said.

(Herald photo by Spring Atchison)

KODY DONNELSON, Fleming graduate, was one of three seniors this year to accept their diploma from a parent on the Frenchman Board of Education. Donnelson received his diploma from his mother Karianne Donnelson; Alaina Schliesser received her diploma from her father Shane Schliesser; and Brett Nolde received his diploma from his mother Kim Nolde.

Firme presented members of the class for the conferring of diplomas. Each received handshakes, hugs and smiles as they accepted certificates from school officials. Three members of this year's class were handed their diplomas by a parent on the school board; Kody Donnelson from his mother Karianne, Brett Nolde from his mother Kim, and Schliesser from her father Shane.

The group exited to the rear of the gym to "Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra and concluded the ceremony with the traditional hat toss.