PERRYVILLE – Perryville High School will host most events for the graduating Class of 2023 this Friday. This is the first year that these events will be held in a single day.
“We have made this change at the request of our parents who love to attend their seniors’ special, and final, events,” said Principal Shadrick Shafer. “We wanted to make it easier for working parents to attend these milestone ceremonies, instead of asking them to take off multiple times.”
The commencement address will be given by graduating senior Drew Layton.
Andrew “Drew” Layton is the son of Jeffrey and Meg Layton, and Andi Bogenpohl
He has two brothers, Jake and Will, and a sister, Gray, His grandparents are Kenneth and Cheryl Layton, Robert and Barbara Hagan, Richard Baker, the late Sandra Baker, and Jon and Daria Knapp.
He has been an active member of the Class of 2023: Student Council President, National Honor Society Vice President, Perryville Pirate Crew Board Member, Inter Club Council Chair, FBLA, National Society of High School Scholars, Missouri Boy’s State Delegate, and Knights of Columbus and formerly was a member of Speech and Debate, and played Soccer, and Cross Country.
He is graduating Summa Cum Laude, Elks Student of the Month, Above and Beyond Award, A Honor Roll (all four years), Scholar of the Week, and Social Studies Department Award.
“My parents have been the greatest role models in my life, as they have encouraged me to pursue my dreams and goals, no matter how difficult they may have been,” he said. “I have been incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by many teachers, friends, and community members who have molded me into the person that I am today. The model of strength, integrity, and compassion that my many role models have provided me, are invaluable.”
“Some of my most favorite memories throughout my time in high school have been the many senior year activities, such as Mr. PHS and Homecoming, as well as when Mr. Cole ripped his landline out of the wall, and going to support our athletic teams at their home games,” he recalled.
Drew has received the Arnsberg Farmers Mutual Insurance Scholarship, the Perry County Community Task Force DEFY Scholarship, and the Red Cross Scholarship.
“I will be attending The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. I will be pursuing a dual major in political science and public administration, with a minor in international relations,” he stated.
“In five years from now, I hope to be pursuing a career in public service by working for the government. I am very passionate about the issues that affect our nation and the world, so I hope to utilize my degree to create a better future for all Americans by working on legislation and policy that will make a real difference in people’s lives,” he said.
This year’s commencement speaker is Dr. John Cross, a mathematics instructor at PHS.
Dr. Cross is a 2023 graduate of Grand Canyon University where he earned his Ph.D. in General Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction.
This year marks Dr. Cross’s 25th total year of teaching and his 21st year of teaching at Perryville High School, having taught mainly upper level Mathematics. Dr. Cross is also marking 20 years of teaching as an adjunct professor for Mineral Area College at the Perryville Higher Education center.
Over his 21 years at PHS, Dr. Cross has also sponsored various clubs and organizations. He is currently sponsoring the National Honor Society and the Sophomore Class, and is serving as the class sponsor liaison.
His favorite memory of the class of 2023 is the level of exuberance and passion each member of the class brings to every challenge they endeavor to overcome.
The full schedule for Friday:
8:00 a.m. – Senior Breakfast – Cafeteria
8:45 a.m. – Senior Stroll – D32 Campus
9:45 a.m.-Senior Signing – PHS Gym
11:30 a.m. – Senior Picnic – Park
12:30 p.m. – Grad Practice – Perry Park Center
7:00 p.m. – Graduation – Perry Park Center