Class of 2020

After an unprecedented senior year, the class of 2020 made the best of an equally unprecedented graduation last Sunday afternoon.

The 32 graduates, Crook County School District #1 Board members, superintendent, MHS principal and supporting staff conducted the ceremony on the south parking area of the high school in wind gusts of up to 22 miles per hour, according to The Weather Channel.

Guests arrived and congregated together to catch up and settle in for the event. Chairs were placed at the required six foot intervals in front of the stage and literally everything that could fly was clipped or tied, including stage skirting and speeches. A sock was wrapped around the microphone to control wind interference as orators spoke and everybody held on to their hats.

Undaunted by the blustery conditions, Class President Kaylei Petz spoke with enthusiasm as she welcomed the graduates followed by Salutatorians Payton Timberman and Amanda Otto as each spoke of the future. Valedictorian Parker Seeley then stepped onto the stage in sunglasses and boots as he addressed his former classmates, saying goodbye to this time of their lives.

Immediately after the ceremony, the newly minted adults jumped into their previously decorated vehicles and made the parade route along Big Horn Avenue (Main Street) to the whistles and calls of fans of both the graduates and a parade.

Several graduates of 2020 will be moving directly into the workforce including Darrian Black, Anthony Nelson, Gabriel Von Olnhausen, Blake Weidner, Korben Wendling, Suzanna Massie, Tyler Massie, Rachel Norris, Christian Robinson, Zedekiah Run Above, Justyn Devin Whisler and Dessa Williamson.

Many others are continuing their formal education in the medical field, RiLee Bonaguidi is attending the University of New Mexico seeking a diploma in nursing; Erica Charlson is becoming a certified nursing assistant; Charmayne DeLong is traveling to Indiana Tech for her degree in sports medicine; Mika Herrera, Casper College – nursing/radiology; and Aric Homola, Casper College – paramedic program.

A few are going into other fields of interest, Hailey Jones is working towards a degree in physical education/business at the University of Wyoming; Levi Lowrey plans on becoming a mechanical engineer after receiving a degree at Gillette College; April Miller is attending Gillette College for her degree in art education; Amanda Otto, University of Wyoming – animal biology; Elizabeth Peterson, University of Wyoming – elementary/special education; Kaylei Petz, Black Hills State University – elementary/science education; Rowdy Pfeil, Chadron State College – undisclosed; Parker Schlater, Chadron State College – range management; Parker Seeley, Chadron State College – business/law; Marla Sproul, University of Wyoming – animal science; Payton Timberman, University of Wyoming – undisclosed; Sydnee Williams, Gillette College – agriculture business; and Jed Williamson, Central Wyoming College – electrician.

Graduates Wyatt Peters and Jessica Trigg are joining the United States Marine Corp and Air Force respectively.