Ste. Genevieve High School Class of 2024 commencement

Submitted article by Ste. Genevieve County School District No. 32

STE. GENEVIEVE – Congratulations to the Class of 2024 on their graduation from Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District! We are beyond proud of you, and wish you the best as you move forward.

Prior to the ceremony, Ste. Genevieve High School Principal Dr. John Boyd made a special presentation. Seniors Gavin Amlong and Vinny Bhagha, along with SGHS Industrial Arts teacher Mr. Kenny Rapp, joined Dr. Boyd on stage. They unveiled a new student-constructed podium.

“Under the guidance, direction and help from Mr. Rapp, these students took on the project and created a brand new beautiful podium for the high school,” Dr. Boyd said. “We are extremely lucky to have state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable instructors who provide our students with real-world hands-on opportunities to design, construct and problem-solve every day.”

The ceremony then commenced, and dozens of faculty and staff members from around the district walked with seniors in their gowns and caps to emphasize the importance of education and to celebrate the graduating seniors. See specific recognitions and awards from the ceremony below!

Co-Salutatorians: Charles Edward Drost IV, Miss Penny Yang

Valedictorian: Cole Edward Nickelson

Read Cole’s speech here, or watch it here, at the 01:34:45 mark.

*Note: To determine the valedictorian and salutatorian, the weighted GPAs over the course of eight semesters are calculated for all students. Both Penny and Char have identical weighted GPAs to nine decimal places, the furthest the computer system can compute. So this year, the Class of 2024 celebrates its co-salutatorians.

Special Awards

Four special awards are presented at graduation to two girls and two boys in the senior class. These students are voted on by the entire high school teaching staff and they represent outstanding characteristics such as: Character, leadership, citizenship, and scholarship. The recipients of the 2024 Danforth “I Dare You” awards are:

Penny Yang
Ezra Wolk

The two recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Senior Girl & Senior Boy awards are:

Outstanding Senior Girl: Adriana Bennett
Outstanding Senior Boy: Bryant Schwent

Instrumental and Vocal Music Awards

The three recipients of the 2024 Instrumental and Vocal Music Awards are:

John Philip Sousa Award: Aden Eisenbeis
National Choral Award: Aden Eisenbeis
Louis Armstrong Award: Aden Eisenbeis

Athletic Awards

The two recipients of the 2024 Athletic Awards are:

Armella Peterson Award for Outstanding Senior Female Athlete: Kiaira Asher
Mal Kimmel Award for Outstanding Senior Male Athlete: Bryant Schwent

Tri-M Music Honor Society

Members are selected by participating in various music activities, going above and beyond both musically and academically, and volunteering their music abilities throughout the community. A member must also maintain an “A” in Band and / or Choir throughout high school. Members include:

Sophia DeRousse
Aden Eisenbeis
Isaiah Hill
Hawthorne Jokerst
Micah Miget
Selene Raney
Damien Wheeler

National Honor Society

The Dragon chapter of the National Honor Society is the most prestigious of the co-curricular groups at the high school level. Members are selected by a faculty committee and are students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership and service. All four areas are equally considered, and students selected for membership must continually strive to use their talents and skills for the improvement of society. Members include:

Adriana Bennett
Sophia DeRousse
Alissa Grass
Caitlin Gray
Tessa Hager
Elaina Schemel
Hope Schmelzle
Bryant Schwent
Penny Yang

National Art Honor Society

Members of the National Art Honor Society are selected by demonstrating outstanding abilities in the visual arts including participation in art shows and sales, and museum and gallery exhibitions. Students must also receive letters of recommendation from teachers in the areas of creativity, dedication, service and character and must have achieved an “A” average in Fundamentals of Art and maintained that average in every art course thereafter. Members include:

Jayci Beckerman
Sofia Cellitti
Ellie Lalumondiere
Lily Largent
Hope Schmelzle
Hannah Woodruff

A+ Schools Program

This is the 23rd graduating class from Ste. Genevieve High School as A+ seniors. To meet the requirements of the A+ Schools Program, students must earn a 2.5 non-weighted cumulative grade point average, a 95% cumulative attendance average, a record of good citizenship, a score of Proficient or Advanced on the Algebra I End-Of-Course Exam or alternate qualifier and must have completed at least 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring. As certified A+ students, they are eligible for tuition assistance to attend any Missouri community college or vocational/technical school. These students include:

Taylor Armbruster
Adriana Bennett
Sara Bone
Russell Clayton
Alissa Grass
Caitlin Gray
Tessa Hager
Kylie Harris
Zachary Henderson
Isaiah Hill
Wyatt Kemper
Carson Kreilich
Mason Nix
Tucker Reed
Elaina Schemel
Hope Schmelzle
Sara Schmieder
Justin Schwent
Bryant Schwent
Damien Wheeler

FFA State Degree

The FFA State Degree is the highest degree a student may earn in FFA. This degree demonstrates the student has devoted an exceptional amount of time into their SAE and local chapter. It is awarded after receiving the aforementioned degrees. The FFA State Degree recipients for the Class of 2024 are:

Scarlett Gonz
Jon Merklin
Sara Schmieder

Senior Class Officers of 2024

President: Penny Yang
Executive Member: Adriana Bennett
Executive Member: Sara Bone
Executive Member: Alissa Grass
Executive Member: Elaina Schemel

Students Enlisting in the Military

The students below have enlisted to serve our country and have received their detachment dates:

Gavin Amlong — United States Marines
Zachary Flieg — Army National Guard
Brayden Kuhns — United States Air Force
Nathaniel McElligott — Army National Guard
Kaden Smith — Army National Guard
Ayden White — United States Air Force
Kaleb Wilson — Army National Guard

Cum Laude

Students who have earned the distinction of Cum Laude are graduating with a cumulative non-weighted grade point average of 3.2 to 3.49. The students who have achieved the Cum Laude distinction for the Class of 2024 are:

Kiara Asher
Sofia Cellitti
Aden Eisenbeis
Hayden Ford
Sasha Gallup
Kylie Harris
Zachary Henderson
Brayden Kuhns
Matthew Martin
Nathaniel McElligott
Jonathan Merklin
Micah Miget
Logan Naeger
Adam Oder
Landon Rottler
Sara Schmieder
Justin Schwent
James Vogt
Ayden White
Gabe Willett
Hannah Woodruff

Magna Cum Laude

Students who have earned the distinction of Magna Cum Laude are graduating with a cumulative non-weighted grade point average of 3.5 to 3.79. The students who have achieved the Magna Cum Laude distinction for the Class of 2024 are:

Taylor Armbruster
Paityn Basler
Adriana Bennett
Sara Bone
Kaelyn Boyer
Anneliese Figge
Addison Geiler
Caitlin Gray
Amelia Grein
Orlando Jordan
Ellie Lalumondiere
Kate Mesplay
Aiden Meyer
Mason Nix
Elaina Schemel
Hope Schmelzle
Ezra Wolk

Summa Cum Laude

Students who have earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude are graduating with a cumulative non-weighted grade point average of 3.8 or higher. The students who have achieved the Summa Cum Laude distinction for the Class of 2024 are:

Sophia DeRousse
Charles Drost IV
Alissa Grass
Tessa Hager
Hawthorne Jokerst
Dalton McBride
Cole Nickelson
Bryant Schwnet
Penny Yang

George Washington Carver Award

The George Washington Carver Award is an academic award that was established in 1986 by former Governor John Ashcroft. Governor Michael L. Parson and Dr. Margie Vandeven, Commissioner of Education, are pleased to continue this award that honors the outstanding achievement of seniors in Missouri’s high schools. The George Washington Carver Award is named for an outstanding Missourian and scientist.

In making the announcement to establish the award, former Governor Ashcroft said, “George Washington Carver is the kind of role model I believe Missourians need to hold up to their children. There is no better way to honor both Mr. Carver and your top students than by giving our very best high school seniors the George Washington Carver Award. I would like to recognize high academic achievement by making this award available to the top 10 percent of each high school’s graduating class in the State of Missouri.”

George Washington Carver achieved his dream of finishing high school and later college; although, he was born a slave and denied the opportunity for much formal schooling in his early years. He first studied art, but later chose science and agriculture as his profession and became one of America’s great practicing natural scientists. Carver spent most of his adult years at the famed Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, devoting his life to the improvement of agriculture in the South. His scientific efforts made him well known throughout the United States, and commercial applications of his research have greatly improved the quality of life for all Americans.

The students who received the George Washington Carver Award for high achievement during their four years in high school are:

Sophia DeRousse
Charles Drost IV
Addison Geiler
Alissa Grass
Caitlin Gray
Tessa Hager
Hawthorne Jokerst
Dalton McBride
Kate Mesplay
Cole Nickelson
Elaina Schemel
Hope Schmelzle
Bryant Schwent
Penny Yang

President’s Award for Education Excellence

The following students have earned the President’s Award for Education Excellence:

Charles Drost IV
Anneliese Figge
Cole Nickelson
Elaina Schemel
Penny Yang

College Preparatory Studies Seal on Diploma

In order to qualify as a recipient of the Ste. Genevieve County R-II College Preparatory Studies Seal on Diploma students must complete a rigorous high school program cooperatively planned by the school, the student and the student’s parents.

These students have completed a strong academic program, as specifically outlined, in the subject areas of English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Specified Core Electives while maintaining a 95% or higher cumulative attendance rate.

The following students have earned the Ste. Genevieve County R-II College Preparatory Studies Seal on their Diplomas:

Taylor Armbruster
Sophia DeRousse
Charles Drost IV
Hawthorne Jokerst
Cole Nickelson
Hope Schmelzle
James Vogt
Penny Yang

Student Council:

The following students served as Student Council representatives:

Adriana Bennett
Ona Lightle
Tucker Reed
Ezra Wolk

2024 Local Scholarship Recipients

The following students were recognized for receiving local scholarships. Ste. Genevieve High School sincerely appreciates the support of the community and businesses that fund these scholarships, and we are proud of the dedicated commitment to education that exists within our community. These scholarships are appreciated by the students and will help them to achieve their goals.

The following seniors from Ste. Genevieve High School have received scholarships from local businesses and organizations:

Gavin Amlong:

Marine Corps; Ste. Genevieve Elk’s Military Recognition

Taylor Armbruster:

Mineral Area College – General Studies – Biology; Scholarships: GFWC Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve (Helen Smith), SG R-II Faculty, Eric Scott Leathers, LLC

Kiaira Asher:

Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital

Paityn Basler:

Mineral Area College – Nursing; Scholarships: SGHS All Sports Boosters, Bill Karl Memorial, Zell Area Jaycees

Adriana Bennett:

University of Central Missouri – Construction Management; Scholarships: LHoist, SG Rotary Club, SGHS Student Council, Mid-East Missouri Contractors Association, Nikki Reed Memorial

Sara Bone:

Mineral Area College – Teaching Psychology & Sociology; Scholarships: Grow Your Own, SG Vision Care

Kaelyn Boyer:

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) – Digital & Integrated Marketing; Scholarships: SG Legion Riders

Russell Clayton Jr.:

State Tech – Electrician; Scholarships: Lakenan Insurance

Sophia DeRousse:

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) – OBGYN Labor & Delivery Nurse; Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674, Ste. Genevieve Community Foundation

Charles Drost IV:

Maryville University – Computer Science; Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674, Environmental Products, Inc., MRV Banks, Ability Network, Inc., SG Band Boosters

Aden Eisenbeis:

Jefferson College – Music Education; Scholarships: Grow Your Own, Duane Donze Music/Theater, SG Band Boosters

Anneliese Figge:

Missouri State University; Scholarships: Grow Your Own

Zachary Flieg:

Army National Guard; Ste. Genevieve Elk’s Military Recognition

Addison Geiler:

Webster University – Early Childhood; Scholarships: SGHS All Sports Boosters, Grow Your Own, Linda Coleman Henson Memorial

Scarlett Gonz:

Murray State University – Livestock Veterinarian; Scholarships: SGHS Future Farmers of America (FFA), Dennis P. Flieg Memorial

Alissa Grass:

St Louis University – Physical Therapist; Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674, Weingarten Jaycees, Andrew Marzuco Memorial

Caitlin Gray:

University of Missouri-Columbia (MIZZOU) – Animal Science Veterinarian; Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674, Hoffman Foundation, Citizens Electric, Mikel Stewart Memorial, Bethany Bequette Memorial

Tessa Hager:

Jefferson College – Radiology Technology; Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674, SG Rotary Club, Ste. Genevieve VFW Post #2210, SG R-II MSTA/CTA

Kai Harris:

University of Central Missouri – Criminal Justice; Scholarships: Nancy L. Breig Memorial, European Entitlements, MO Farm Bureau

Addisyn Heberlie:

Paul Mitchell – Cosmetology; Scholarships: MO Farm Bureau

Zachary Henderson:

Mineral Area College – Special Education; Scholarships: Dennis P. Flieg Legion Ball, SGHS Boys Basketball, Lindsay Roth Memorial, Peggy J. Johnson Memorial, Peggy Webb Memorial

Isaiah Hill:

Jefferson College – Child Psychologist; Scholarships: SG Band Boosters

Nathan Johnson:

Ottawa University – Christian Studies & Addictions Counseling; Scholarships: Vern Bauman Contracting Co.

Hawthorne Jokerst:

Truman University – Physics/Engineering; Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674, Nancy L. Breig Memorial, American Legion Post #150, Lost Acres Tractor Club, Ste. Genevieve Fair Board, SG Band Boosters

Wyatt Kemper:

Mineral Area College – Business Management; Scholarships: Nancy L. Breig Memorial

Brayden Kuhns:

Air Force; SG Elk’s Military Recognition

Peyton McCrory:

Mineral Area College – Nursing; Scholarships: American Legion Auxiliary Unit #150

Nathaniel McElligott:

Army National Guard; SG Elk’s Military Recognition

Kate Mesplay:

East Central Missouri – Petroleum Engineering; Scholarships: Hill & Dale Garden Club, American Legion Post #150

Aiden Meyer:

Mississippi Valley State University – Physical Therapy; Scholarships: Sons of the American Legion, Dennis P. Flieg Memorial

Riley Murphy:

Mineral Area College – Nursing: Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve County Democratic Club

Cole Nickelson:

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) – Cyber Security; Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674, LafargeHolcim, Armella Peterson, Lost Acres Tractor Club

Mason Nix:

State Tech – Drafting & Design Technology; Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve County Tech Foundation, SG Riverdogs, Randy (Monier) Choate Memorial

Tucker Reed:

State Tech – Automation & Design Tech; Scholarships: Eric Scott Leather, LLC, Mikel Stewart Memorial, SGHS Band Boosters, Coleman Resources, SG Men’s Horseshoe League

Elaina Schemel:

College of The Ozarks – Forensics; Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve Lions Club, SG Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), GFWC Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve (Young Woman)

Hope Schmelzle:

University of Kansas – Architecture; Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve Fury, Mark Woodson Memorial / Knights of Columbus, Patricia Donze Memorial

Sara Schmieder:

Mineral Area College – Nursing; Scholarships: Heil Oil Company, SGHS Future Farmers of America (FFA), Dennis P. Flieg Memorial, Ste. Genevieve Area Chamber of Commerce

Bryant Schwent:

University of Central Missouri – Professional Pilot; Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674, Sons of the American Legion, Dennis P. Flieg Memorial, Nancy L. Breig Memorial, SGHS All Sports Boosters, SG Riverdogs

Justin Schwent:

State Tech – High Performance Automotive; Scholarships: Ste. Genevieve County Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, Randy (Monier) Choate Memorial

Kaden Smith:

Army National Guard; SG Elk’s Military Recognition

Damien Wheeler:

Jefferson College – High School Math Teacher; Scholarships: Grow Your Own, SG Band Boosters

Ayden White:

Air Force; SG Elk’s Military Recognition

Kaleb Wilson:

Army National Guard; SG Elk’s Military Recognition

Hannah Woodruff:

Jefferson College – Graphic Designer; Scholarships: SG Art Guild/Betty Geraghty Memorial

Ezra Wolk:

Ranken Technical College- Automotive Mechanic; Scholarships: SG Elk’s Trade School Scholarship, Bloomsdale Bank, SG R-II Faculty, Ste. Genevieve R-II MSTA/CTA

Penny Yang:

Lehigh University – Bio-Chemist/Genetics Engineer; Scholarships: SGHS Mentors, Local Small Business, Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674, R&K Excavation, SG Women’s Horseshoe League

The selection committee would like to thank the following area businesses and organizations that contributed scholarships to the students of Ste. Genevieve High School:

Small business donors include: Basler Funeral Home; Belle Ever After Boutique; Bloomsdale Excavating, Inc.; Computer Solutions; Donze Construction, Inc.; Fallert Bus Service; Fischer Quarry & Hauling, LLC; Lurk Custom Cabinets; Midway Bar & Grill, LLC; Quarry Workers’ Local 829; Sara’s Ice Cream; Show-Me Shop, LLC; Ste. Genevieve Country Mart, Ste. Genevieve Farmer’s Market; T. Drury Contracting, Inc.; The Law Firm-Lance R. Drury, P.C.; Tower Rock Stone; Willow Trace II, LLC, and Wolk’s Insurance Agency, Inc.