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A total of 358 students graduated from the Poplar Bluff High School Class of 2023 on Thursday, May 25, at the Black River Coliseum, collectively earning $4.2 million and counting in scholarships, including through Missouri's A+ program, school officials reported.
Senior Karson Busse was honored on stage at the commencement as the most inspirational classmate of the year. Voted by the seniors, Busse was given a commemorative gown containing all of the signatures from the class.
“My advice to the Class of 2023 is to be more like Karson,” suggested class president Quinlan Rutledge, explaining how she has known Busse throughout the entirety of her academic career, beginning in preschool. Busse happens to have been born with Down syndrome, Rutledge noted: “which means he is the kindest soul you’ll ever meet.”
“He doesn’t care what car you drive or what sport you play,” she continued. “He cares if you smile. He sees the best in you.”
This year’s valedictorian was Emmalein Pendley, who earned the Charlie Classic scholarship for reading 100 select literary works since Junior High. Apropos, she quoted one of her favorite children’s books, “Old Mother West Wind” by Thornton Burgess, stating: “Luck never just happens. What people call bad luck is just the result of their own foolishness or carelessness or both, and what people call good luck is just the result of their own wisdom and carefulness and common sense.”
Pendley, along with salutatorian Jack Scott, plans to attend Missouri State University in Springfield. While Pendley will reportedly major in astrophysics and astronomy, Jack is leaving his options open, and remains undecided at this point. In his speech, he spoke about how quickly High School has passed by, in retrospect.
“…This doesn’t just apply to high school but it also applies to life in general,” Scott said. “We’re all going to the same destination so we have to always enjoy the journey.”
In addition to their diplomas, four students earned associate degrees from Three Rivers College via the College Now program, including: Mariah DeShaney, Maura Dill, Kirstyn Millner and Audrie Sievers.
Click here to watch a replay of our commencement ceremony.
Above: Class president Quinlan Rutledge presents Karson Busse with the most inspirational classmate honor during the commencement ceremony.
Click here to view all of our photos from commencement, and please help us tag our new alumni!
Below: As part of a tradition before commencement, Michael Stewart is embraced at Oak Grove Elementary during the annual Senior Walk.
Click here to view our Senior Walk album, and be sure to like your favorite shots!
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