Ain’t no mountain high enough to keep BHS Class of 2023 from graduating
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The Brussels High School (BHS) Class of 2023 said “hello” to their futures on Saturday evening as they crossed the stage and graduated high school. The Class of 2023 was presented by Principal Long and students moved their tassels, fired confetti cannons, and tossed up their caps. (Carissa Sitki/Calhoun News-Herald)
Mary Baalman spoke on behalf of herself and her fellow valedictorians, sharing memories of the Class of 2023’s high school experience. (Carissa Sitki/Calhoun News-Herald)
BHS Class of 2023 President Morgan Klaas gives the welcome address at Saturday’s graduation ceremony. (Carissa Sitki/Calhoun News-Herald)
Haylee Kress delivers two white roses to her parents after receiving her diploma during the BHS Class of 2023 graduation on Saturday. (Carissa Sitki/Calhoun News-Herald)
BHS graduates received scholarships, honors, awards, and special recognitions during the ceremony. Receiving the IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award, from left to right: Jerica LaMarsh, Jake LaMarsh, Morgan Klaas, Nicholas Kiel, Gaybrielle Henry, Alyssa Bonner, and Mary Baalman. (Carissa Sitki/Calhoun News-Herald)
By Carissa Sitki
The Brussels High School (BHS) Class of 2023 said “hello” to their futures on Saturday evening as they crossed the stage and graduated high school.
The ceremony began with the processional, Pomp and Circumstance, as the graduates entered the gym. BHS Principal Pam Long led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem was sung by Ms. Jennifer Wilschetz. Mrs. Amanda Brodbeck then introduced the Brussels Unit 42 Board of Education.
Class of 2023 President Morgan Klaas gave the welcome address, recalling individual memories with each of her classmates over the past four years.
The guest speaker of the evening was BHS teacher Mrs. Keishia Hartle who was selected by the class to give the speech. She too spoke of moments she shared with the class including tales of procrastinating students and things like volunteering at school events.
Scholarships, honors, awards, and special recognitions were distributed to students by Principal Long.
Salutatorian Nicholas Kiel was bestowed a medal from his parents, as were the valedictorians Mary Baalman, Morgan Klaas, Jerica LaMarsh, and Emma Vogel who each received medals which were placed around their necks by their parents.
Baalman spoke on behalf of herself and her fellow valedictorians, sharing memories of her class’ high school experience.
The presentation of diplomas was then carried out by Brussels Board of Education President Amanda Brodbeck and students were given white roses (the Class of 2023’s flower) to give to their parents.
Finally, the Class of 2023 was presented by Principal Long and students moved their tassels, fired confetti cannons, and tossed up their caps. The recessional was “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” from the class’ favorite movie, Remember the Titans.
The Class of 2023 consists of Mary Baalman, Alyssa Bonner, Hannah Carey, Gaybrielle Henry, Nicholas Kiel, Tyler Kinder, Morgan Klaas, Haylee Kress, Jake LaMarsh, Jerica LaMarsh, Eric Robeen, Chloe Schneider, Dresden Schulte, and Emma Vogel.
Class president is Klaas; vice president is Jerica LaMarsh; Secretary is Baalman; and treasurer is Bonner.
The Class of 2023’s quote is, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, dream for tomorrow.”
