Class of 2023 Holds Commencement
Launch the media gallery 1 playerEven tornado warnings couldn’t stop the graduating class of 2023 from Leigh High School from receiving their diplomas at commencement on May 12. The ceremony was delayed from 6 pm until 6:30 due to severe weather, but it went off without a hitch at the later time.
The class of 2023 has chosen their flower to be the white rose. The class colors are blue and white. “Time to turn those dreams into reality” is the class motto. Finally, the class song is “Good Old Days” by Macklemore.
With the highest GPA in the class, Zoey Van Dyke was named Valedictorian. Sydney Reeves and Jessica Hoffman both tied and had the second highest GPA and were both named Salutatorian.
Visitors were first welcomed by the junior ushers, Aubrie Hanna, Gracie Eisenmann, Jordan Noonan, and Tanyn Larson. These juniors were chosen because they had the four highest GPA out of their class. The ceremony began with a video of class memories and highlights compiled by Jessica Hoffman. The seniors were then ushered to the stage as Mrs. Cindy Settje played “Pomp and Circumstance” on the piano.
Salutatorian Sydney Reeves started by giving a welcoming speech and shortly after scholarships were announced by guidance counselor, Maddie Gall.
Next the seniors presented their families with a rose. Once arriving back on stage, Valedictorian Zoey Van Dyke gave her speech.
Then the time everyone has been waiting for arrived—the presentation of diplomas. Superintendent Mr. Cole Fischer presented the seniors as Vice President Ryan Hoffman awarded the diplomas to the seniors.
Once all the diplomas were handed out, the seniors removed their tassels from the right side to left side of their cap. Salutatorian, Jessica Hoffman then gave the closing of the night. The seniors then proceeded out of the gym as Cindy Settje played “Fanfare and Recessional.”
The class of 2023 was awarded the following scholarships:
Dylan Brabec: Winner of the Norman W. Ochsner Agriculture Scholarship, Northeast Community College Dean Scholarship, Rick Charipar Memorial Scholarship, and the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District Scholarship. Alternate to the Citizens State Bank Scholarship.
Albert Diaz: Winner of the Central Community College Committed to Success Scholarship.
Jessica Hoffman: Winner of the Leigh Alumni Scholarship, Leigh Fire Department Scholarship, Patriot Youth Advisory Scholarship, Citizens State Bank Scholarship, Whitetail Scholarship, American Red Cross Scholarship, University of Nebraska Lincoln: Nebraska Emerging Leaders Scholarship, American Legion Auxiliary Career and Technical Education Scholarship, Robert A. Wanek Memorial Scholarship, and Southeast Community College: Academic Excellence Scholarship, and the St. John's Special Gifts Scholarship.
Alternate to the Leigh Rescue Unit Scholarship and the Sons of the American Legion Scholarship.
Kyle Holmberg: Winner of the Aaron Cech Memorial Scholarship, Mary Kuhn Memorial Scholarship, University of Nebraska Lincoln Pepsi Scholarship, University of Nebraska Lincoln, David Distinguished Scholarship, University of Nebraska Lincoln Engineering Scholarship, University of Nebraska Omaha Regents Scholarship, and Wayne State College Presidential scholarship.
Alternate to the University of Nebraska Lincoln Kiewit Foundation Engineering, Wayne State College Rural Health Opportunities Program for Medicine, Paul Hollatz Memorial Scholarship, and Irene Gobler American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship.
Kyle Kasik: Winner of the Susan Thompson Buffett Scholarship, John and Michele Hollatz Scholarship, Paul Hollatz Memorial Scholarship, Patriot Youth Advisory Scholarship, Russ Herman Memorial Scholarship , Leigh American Legion Scholarship, Lyle Hamernik