Goodbye, hello for 2012 MHS seniors

Austin Sis, Bison Award winner

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Saying goodbye to high school and hello to the future, more than 100 seniors from the 2012 class of McCook High School graduated under sunny skies at Weiland Field Sunday afternoon.

"We worked our way up the ladder, from the underdogs of freshmen to the top dogs of seniors," said Sierra Ortiz, one of the senior speakers at the graduation ceremony.

Senior speakers Ortiz, Taylor Hansen, Emilyne Nichols, Brian Calvin, Anna West and Jenna Smith spoke of trepidation yet excitement for the future and favorite memories of high school. "Its not what happened but the people who made the memories," said Hansen, who told how her parents would try to help with biology and algebra homework, only to have them tell her to "call your smart friends."

Emily Tolliver, Bison Award winner.

Calvin spoke of the future that lay before each senior, adding, "No matter what path you choose, rest assured, you aren't in Kansas anymore, Toto."

Recipients of the Bison Award, chosen each year by the senior class for the boy and girl that best exemplifies the traits of school citizenship, loyalty, service and the ability to promote a positive rapport within the school setting, were Austin Sis and Emily Tolliver.

Seniors who achieved straight A's in their high school career were Allan Goodenberger, Betsy Hardin, Emilyne Nichols and Emily Tolliver.

Brian Calvin speaks at graduation. (Lorri Sughroue/McCook Daily Gazette)

Superintendent Grant Norgaard opened the ceremony and MHS principal Jerry Smith announced academic award winners and the presentation of each graduating senior.

Diplomas were handed out by the McCook School Board of Education, that included Tom Bredvick, Larry Shields, Diane Lyons, Teresa Thomas, Sandy Krysl and Shane Messersmith.

Class officers were Emilyne Nichols, president, Kalie Kennedy, vice president, Anna West, secretary and Betsy Hardin, treasurer.

Taylor Hansen speaks at graduation. (Lorri Sughroue/McCook Daily Gazette)

Class colors are red, black and silver. The class flower is lily tipped in silver with the class motto, "Our past is behind us, our future is ahead of us but our memories are forever with us."

The class song was "2012" by Jay Sean. The Senior High choir, under the direction of Abbey Misfeldt, sang "Will You Teach Me?" "Pomp and Circumstance" was performed by the McCook High School Band, under the direction of Donita Priebe.

Junior ushers were Tricia Mitnik and Gavin Harsh.

Sierra Ortiz speaks at graduation. (Lorri Sughroue/McCook Daily Gazette)

Seniors Justin Terry, from left, Jackie Carfield, Shane Buck, Dalton Bundy and Skyler Kalinski pose for the camera. (Lorri Sughroue/McCook Daily Gazette)

The future's so bright, you gotta wear shades: Davis Acosta, from left, Joel Baker, Clint Beguin, Michael Best and Alex Broadfoot. (Lorri Sughroue/McCook Daily Gazette)

As the Class of 2012 is presented to the audience, silly string and cheers erupted from the seniors. (Lorri Sughroue/McCook Daily Gazette)

Alicia Ricley checks out her diploma. (Lorri Sughroue/McCook Daily Gazette)