The senior class of 2016 said their goodbyes during commencement on May 9^th at the Community of Christ Auditorium.

Three graduates were chosen to give speeches. Abbi Atwell, Ward Mershon, and Joe Eller, expressed their experiences growing up and moving forward into adulthood,

“So from the ground up we have finished what we started at Staley High School,” Mershon said. “The changing personalities of ourselves and our peers have all shaped us to who we are as we sit in these chairs about to receive our high school diplomas.”

Mershon continued to say his goodbyes, to the school, his teachers and many of his peers.

Atwell took the stage and opened her speech with her appreciation for the crowd. She touched base on obstacles that she feels are facing our world today.

“I truly believe that as long as we can overcome barriers, our generation—and the Staley High School graduating class of 2016—has the power to make a true and lasting difference in this world,” Atwell said. “Today, we become more than just students as we are sent out into the world.  Today is the beginning of your chance to make a difference.”

Their peers sat soaking up their words of encouragement and gratitude.

“I didn’t know Ward too well personally, but he made points that I think most of us seniors will remember,” graduate Amanda Allan said

Ending the school years of all those who were seniors for class of 2016.