Ste. Genevieve County School District R-II
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STE. GENEVIEVE – Congratulations to the Class of 2025 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.
At the 2025 Ste. Genevieve High School Graduation Ceremony, Principal Dr. John Boyd took time to recognize the many hands—both seen and unseen—that helped make the evening a memorable celebration.
Dr. Boyd applauded the work of Mr. Rapp and his woodworking students, who designed and produced the special awards distributed during the ceremony. Their craftsmanship, he noted, not only elevated the event but also offered students a meaningful opportunity to contribute to their school community.
Special thanks were also extended to Mr. Roth and the School Development Seminar class, whose efforts were on display as guests entered the high school through newly enhanced front entrances. Among the additions was a newly unveiled academic wall, created to honor graduating seniors and student scholars for years to come. Students in the course also designed the commemorative graphic displayed behind the stage.
Dr. Boyd also offered heartfelt appreciation to the district’s maintenance, custodial, and technology departments, whose dedication and attention to detail ensure a seamless and visually stunning event. “So much of what makes this evening possible happens behind the scenes,” he noted, “and we are incredibly grateful for the pride they bring to our school community.”
A significant moment in the ceremony came as Dr. Boyd thanked the more than 100 faculty and staff members who participated in honoring the graduating class. He spoke of the powerful impact these educators have had on students—beginning in preschool and kindergarten classrooms and continuing through high school. “The relationships built each day, and the love shared for our students, are truly unmatched,” he said.
Dr. Boyd then shared a moving tribute to Ms. Lindsay Roth, a cherished educator remembered by many members of the Class of 2025. A seat was reserved in her honor, marked with a photo and a single rose, representing the enduring influence she had on her students and colleagues. A moment of silence was observed as the community reflected on her memory and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.
As the ceremony commenced, 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!
Salutatorian: Ainsley Rose McClard
Valedictorian: Ava Nichole Greer
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 2025 Danforth “I Dare You” awards are:
- Sophia Fritsch
- Shay Coleman
The two recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Senior Girl & Senior Boy awards are:
- Outstanding Senior Girl: Ava Greer
- Outstanding Senior Boy: Charles Corbett
Instrumental and Vocal Music Awards
The three recipients of the 2025 Instrumental and Vocal Music Awards are:
- John Philip Sousa Award: Lucy Sears
- National Choral Award: Damian Dickerson
Athletic Awards
The two recipients of the 2025 Athletic Awards are:
- Armella Peterson Award for Outstanding Senior Female Athlete: Hollyn Zangaro
- Mal Kimmel Award for Outstanding Senior Male Athlete: Jacob Schweigert
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:
- Damian Dickerson
- Katlynn Lay
- Aidan Lewis
- Victoria Merrifield
- Haileigh Schilly
- Hailey Wheeler
- Raegan Winch
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:
- Hannah Ahrens
- Karlie Basler
- Abby Boyer
- Kennedy Buatte
- Kale Clements
- Shay Coleman
- Savannah DeRousse
- Ava Greer
- Sadie Greminger
- Sophia Huck
- Grace Joggerst
- Olivia Klump
- Joleigh Parker
- Mallory Rottler
- Lexi Warren
- Autumn Werner
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:
- Jenna Clayton
- Kale Clements
- Ava Greer
- Kailynn Harmon
- Ainsley McClard
- Allison McCrory
- Joleigh Parker
- Xanna Powell
- Mallory Rottler
- Sophie Vogt
- Renee “Val” Vogt
- Ayelyn Yochim
Student Council:
Members of the Student Council are selected by the student body in some facet and represent student-led leadership in our school and our community. They are recognized below for their strong commitment to service and leadership at Ste. Genevieve High School:
- Karlie Basler
- Kale Clements
- Shay Coleman (Executive Board Member)
- Charlie Corbett (President)
- Piper Estes
- Ava Greer (Executive Board Member)
- Sadie Greminger
- Sophia Huck (Executive Board Member)
- Brooklyn Johnson
- Olivia Klump
- Ainsley McClard
- Joleigh Parker
Thespian Honor Society
Students are inducted into the Ste. Genevieve Chapter 11956 of the International Thespian Honor Society by completing at least 100 hours of excellent theatrical work, the equivalent of 10 Thespian points. Students who demonstrate high academic achievement in their overall coursework are further recognized with the title of Thespian Scholar.
- Trey Bloom (President)
- Charles Corbett
- Aidan Lewis (Executive Board)
- Victoria Merrifield
- Xanna Powell
- Bennett Walls
- Raegan Winch (Vice President)
- Tessa Wright
A+ Schools Program
This is the 24th 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:
- Allie Abt
- Ava Abt
- Brianna Abt
- Mariah Abt
- Hannah Ahrens
- Abby Boyer
- Kennedy Buatte
- Alyssa Cook
- Ruth Dunn
- Kailyn Fallert
- Sophia Fritsch
- Ava Greer
- Sadie Greminger
- Kailynn Harmon
- Lillian Holman
- Sophia Huck
- Meagen Jarvis
- Grace Joggerst
- Olivia Klump
- Drew Merriman
- Braelyn Palmer
- Joleigh Parker
- Xanna Powell
- Jayden Rickman
- Aiden Roth
- Mason Ruch
- Haileigh Schilly
- Heidi Schmelzle
- Jacob Schweigert
- Chloe Staffen
- Natalie St. Clair
- Chase Stell
- Bennett Walls
- Lexi Warren
- Drake Weibrecht
- Autumn Werner
- Hailey Wheeler
- Kristen Wittu
- Hollyn Zangaro
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 2025 are:
- Mariah Abt
- Libby Adams
- Sophia Fritsch
- Aiden Roth
- Heidi Schmelzle
Senior Class Officers of 2025
- President: Shay Coleman
- Executive Member: Trey Bloom
- Executive Member: Charles Corbett
- Executive Member: Ava Greer
- Executive Member: Ainsley McClard
Students Enlisting in the Military
The students below have enlisted to serve our country and have received their detachment dates:
- Clinton Beasley — United States Army
- Piper Estes — Army National Guard
- Charles McGuire — Army National Guard
- Miranda Snyder — Army National Guard
- Easton Stanley — United States Marines
- Karter Worley — United States Marines
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 2025 are:
- Brianna Abt
- Clinton Beasley
- Jenna Clayton
- Alyssa Cook
- Charles Corbett
- Stella Cox
- Owen Drury
- Kailyn Fallert
- Hunter Hayes
- Lillian Holman
- Kayden Huck
- Kaleb McBride
- Allison McCrory
- Chase Stell
- Miranda Synder
- Renee “Val” Vogt
- Hailey Wheeler
- Raegan Winch
- Ayelyn Yochim
- Hollyn Zangaro
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 2025 are:
- Mariah Abt
- Karlie Basler
- Abby Boyer
- Seth Fischer
- Meagen Jarvis
- Grace Joggerst
- Evan Kemper
- Jeremiah Kunz
- Drew Merriman
- Xanna Powell
- Aiden Roth
- Mallory Rottler
- Heidi Schmelzle
- Lillian Smith
- Sophie Vogt
- Bennett Walls
- Drake Weibrecht
- Kristen Wittu
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 2025 are:
- Hannah Ahrens
- Kennedy Buatte
- Kale Clements
- Shay Coleman
- Savannah Derousse
- Damian Dickerson
- Sophia Fritsch
- Ava Greer
- Sadie Greminger
- Kailynn Harmon
- Sophia Huck
- Olivia Klump
- Ainsley McClard
- Joleigh Parker
- Jayden Rickman
- Mason Ruch
- Lucy Sears
- Chloe Staffen
- Lexi Warren
- Autumn Werner
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:
- Kennedy Buatte
- Shay Coleman
- Savannah DeRousse
- Sophia Fritsch
- Ava Greer
- Kailynn Harmon
- Sophia Huck
- Ainsley McClard
- Joleigh Parker
- Jayden Rickman
- Mason Ruch
- Lucy Sears
President’s Award for Education Excellence
The following students have earned the President’s Award for Education Excellence:
- Hannah Ahrens
- Kennedy Buatte
- Shay Coleman
- Savannah DeRousse
- Damian Dickerson
- Sophia Fritsch
- Sophia Huck
- Jeremiah Kunz
- Ainsley McClard
- Drew Merriman
- Mallory Rottler
- Lucy Sears
- Drake Weibrecht
- Autumn Werner
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:
- Hannah Ahrens
- Abby Boyer
- Kennedy Buatte
- Shay Coleman
- Savannah DeRousse
- Kailyn Fallert
- Josie Finley
- Ava Greer
- Sadie Greminger
- Kailynn Harmon
- Sophia Huck
- Drew Merriman
- Joleigh Parker
- Jayden Rickman
- Lucy Sears
- Chloe Staffen
- Bennett Walls
- Drake Weibrecht
2025 Local Scholarship Recipients
We are thrilled to share that our community has reached an amazing milestone—more than $100,000 in local scholarships was awarded to Ste. Genevieve High School seniors this year!
This incredible support reflects the generosity of our local businesses, organizations, and families—and the strong bond between our school and community.
We want to share a special thank you to SGHS Registrar and Counseling Secretary Stephanie Brumfield and Senior Counselor Russ Toombs for their dedication in organizing, coordinating, and supporting our students through this process. Their hard work helped make this year’s milestone possible!
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:
Ava Abt:
- MO Farm Bureau Insurance
Mariah Abt:
- Lost Acres Tractor Club; United Steelworkers Local 169G
Libby Adams:
- August “Gus” Grein Memorial
Karlie Basler:
- Bloomsdale Bank; Wolk’s Insurance Agency, Inc.
Owen Bauman:
- Lakenan Insurance; Sons of the American Legion – Dennis P. Flieg Memorial
Clinton Beasley:
- Genevieve Elk’s Military Recognition
Abby Boyer:
- American Legion Post #150; American Legion Riders; Nancy L. Breig Memorial
Kennedy Buatte:
- Genevieve Elk’s #2674
Jenna Clayton:
- Steve Fallert Memorial; Lakenan Insurance
Kale Clements:
- Dennis Walker / VFW Post #2210; Bloomsdale Excavating; GFWC Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve (Young Woman); SGHS Buddies / Mentors; Ste. Genevieve Vision Care
Shay Coleman:
- Zell Area Jaycees; Nancy L. Breig Memorial; All-Sports Boosters; Mikel Stewart Memorial; Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674
Savannah DeRousse:
- Genevieve Elk’s #2674
Damian Dickerson:
- Tyler Wolk Memorial
Avery Dippold:
- Plaza Tire
Piper Estes:
- Genevieve Elk’s Military Recognition
Kailyn Fallert:
- Dennis Walker / VFW Post #2210; MO Farm Bureau; Vern Bauman Contracting Co.
Sophia Fritsch:
- The Farmer’s Table FFA Program; MFA Foundation; Dennis P. Flieg Memorial; Heil Oil Company; Mid-East Missouri Contractors’ Association; SGHS Future Farmers of America (FFA); Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674; Lhoist Community; Daughters of the American Revolution; River Hills Antique Tractor Club
Ava Greer:
- Local Small Business; Walsworth Consummate Professional; SG Fury; Bethany Bequette Memorial; All-Sports Boosters; SGHS Student Council; Citizens Electric; Ste. Genevieve Community Foundation; Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674; Eric Scott Leathers, LLC
Sadie Greminger:
- Genevieve R-II Faculty & Staff; Mikel Stewart Memorial; SGNEA
Kailynn Harmon:
- SG R-II MSTA / CTA; Ste. Genevieve Rotary Club; Sons of the American Legion – Dennis P. Flieg Memorial
Kayden Huck:
- SGNEA
Sophia Huck:
- GFWC Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve (Helen Smith); Ste. Genevieve Rotary Club; R&K Excavation; Ste. Genevieve Lions Club; Andrew Marzuco Memorial; SG Men’s Horseshoe League; Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674; SGHS Student Council
Meagen Jarvis
- Peggy Webb Memorial; Lindsay Roth Memorial
Kamree Johnson
- SG Jaycees
Grace Joggerst
- Weingarten Jaycees, Hoffman Foundation
Olivia Klump
- Genevieve R-II Faculty & Staff; Ste. Genevieve Rotary Club
Aidan Lewis
- Genevieve Country Mart
Ainsley McClard
- Ability Network, Inc.; Armella Peterson; Environmental Products, Inc.; MO School Board (Belcher) Association; Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674
Victoria Merrifield
- Rick & Betty O’Bryan Memorial; Grow Your Own; Band Boosters
Charles McGuire
- Mark Woodson / Knights of Columbus; Lieutenant Colonel J. Felix St. James Camp #3236; Ste. Genevieve Elk’s Military Recognition
Joleigh Parker
- American Legion Post #150; MRV Banks; Nicki Reed Memorial; Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674, Ste. Genevieve Chamber of Commerce
Talan Plunk
- Genevieve County Ambulance District Paramedic
Lillian Reed
- Band Boosters
Jayden Rickman
- Genevieve Hospital Staff; Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674
Aiden Roth
- Riverside Landscaping, Inc.; Randy (Monier) Choate Memorial; Ste. Genevieve County Tech Foundation; All-Sports Boosters; Mikel Stewart Memorial; MLC / Harry B. Matthews
Mason Ruch
- Grow Your Own
Heidi Schmelzle
- Randy (Monier) Choate Memorial; Hoffman Foundation; Alvin Brown Memorial; Dennis P. Flieg Memorial; Nancy L. Breig Memorial; Mikel Stewart Memorial; SGHS Future Farmers of America (FFA); Ste. Genevieve County Tech Foundation; Mid-East MO Contractors’ Association; Welding Training; American Welding Academy; Breaking Traditions
Jacob Schweigert
- Elk’s Trade
Lillian Smith
- Foundation of Restoration; Grow Your Own
Miranda Snyder
- Genevieve Elk’s Military Recognition
Chloe Staffen
- Lost Acres Tractor Club; Mueller’s Tire Service, Inc.; SG R-II MSTA / CTA; Bill Karl Memorial; All-Sports Boosters
Easton Stanley
- Genevieve Elk’s Military Recognition
Braxton Stomberg
- Little Saline Sportsman’s Club
Lexi Warren
- American Legion Auxiliary Unit #150; Ste. Genevieve County Fair Board; Ste. Genevieve County Democratic Club; Nancy L. Breig Memorial
Drake Weibrecht
- Linda Coleman Henson Memorial; Grow Your Own; Band Boosters
Autumn Werner
- Peggy J. Johnson Memorial; SG Women’s Horseshoe League; Literacy Without Limits
Karter Worley
- Genevieve Elk’s Military Recognition
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; Bahr Signs; C-Barn, Inc.; Computer Solutions; Drury Outdoors; First State Community Bank; Fischer Quarry & Hauling; Lurk Custom Cabinets; Midway Bar & Grill; MS Sara Menard; Quarry Workers Local #839; Shuh & Sons Plumbing HTG & AC; Ste. Genevieve County Farmers Market; T. Drury Contracting, Inc.; and Tower Rock Stone Co.
