SGHS Class of 2026 celebrates commencement

/ News, Ste. Genevieve News

Ste. Genevieve School District R-II

STE. GENEVIEVE – Ste. Genevieve High School has graduated its Class of 2026.

 

A video of the ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/live/etK0DPRZIC4?si=uRdxzZxyjBSBqBDe

 

Photos of the event are available on the Ste. Genevieve R-II website: https://www.facebook.com/SteGenRII

 

SGHS Principal Dr. John Boyd recognized the many hands — both seen and unseen — that helped make the evening a memorable celebration.

 

He applauded the work of Mr. Kenny Rapp and his woodworking classes, which designs and produces the special awards distributed during the ceremony.

 

He also highlighted the work of students in Mr. Rapp’s School and Community Development Seminar class, who designed and created the beautifully lit stained-glass display cases recently installed near the front entrance of SGHS.

 

Special thanks were also extended to Mr. Tyson Roth and the School Development Seminar class for their continued efforts to enhance the appearance and branding of SGHS ahead of graduation. Among this year’s additions was a new picture collage documenting education at SGHS from 1945 to the present, along with a newly designed commons wall and the commemorative graphic displayed behind the stage during the ceremony.

 

Dr. Boyd also offered heartfelt appreciation to the district’s maintenance, custodial and technology departments, whose dedication and attention to detail help ensure a seamless and visually impressive 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 115 faculty and staff members who participated in honoring the graduating class. He spoke about the lasting impact educators have on students throughout their educational journey — from preschool and kindergarten classrooms through high school graduation.

 

As the ceremony began, faculty and staff members from across the district walked with the seniors in their caps and gowns, symbolizing the shared commitment to education and celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.

 

Later in the evening, Dr. Boyd reflected on the SGHS motto — “Family, Tradition and Excellence” — reminding graduates and guests that while graduation celebrates achievement and honors tradition, it also represents the support systems that helped students reach this milestone.

 

Addressing the graduating class, Dr. Boyd acknowledged the parents, grandparents, guardians, relatives and supporters who encouraged students throughout their educational journey. Graduates were then invited to leave their seats briefly to personally thank someone who had played an important role in helping them reach graduation day.

 

“To those family members and supporters here tonight — thank you,” Dr. Boyd shared following the recognition. “Your impact is evident in the young men and women seated before you. This moment belongs to you as much as it does to them.”

 

As the ceremony drew to a close, Dr. Boyd also reflected on the importance of tradition within the identity of Ste. Genevieve High School. He invited SGHS teacher Mr. Dustin Kueker to the stage to lead one of the school’s longtime graduation traditions, reminding students that no matter where life takes them after graduation, they will always carry a connection to SGHS.

 

Together, graduates, staff members and guests joined in the familiar “S-T-E G-E-N” chant before class officers returned to the stage one final time as students of SGHS to lead the singing of the school song and the traditional changing of the tassels.

 

Following the ceremonial cap toss, the Class of 2026 departed from the gymnasium as Ste. Genevieve High School’s newest alumni.

 

Eleanor Sierra McKlin presented the salutatorian speech.

 

  • Read Eleanor’s speech here, or watch it here, at the 01:14:32 mark.

 

Gavin Nathaniel Gegg presented the valedictorian speech.

 

  • Read Gavin’s speech here, or watch it here, at the 01:24:26 mark.

 

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 2026 Danforth “I Dare You” awards are:

  • Eleanor McKlin
  • Luke Ferranto

 

The recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Senior Girl & Senior Boy awards are:

  • Outstanding Senior Girl: Abigail Woodard
  • Outstanding Senior Boy: Elijah Bennett

 

Instrumental and Vocal Music Awards

 

The recipients of the 2026 Instrumental and Vocal Music Awards are:

  • John Philip Sousa Award: Emily Merrifield
  • National Choral Award: Lucille Hunsley

 

Athletic Awards

 

The two recipients of the 2026 Athletic Awards are:

  • Armella Peterson Award for Outstanding Senior Female Athlete: Emma Gegg
  • Mal Kimmel Award for Outstanding Senior Male Athlete: Paul Taylor

 

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:

  • Carter Hogenmiller
  • Lucille Hunsley
  • Marlena Lueken
  • Cecilia Mooney
  • Emily Merrifield
  • London White-Hume

 

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 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:

  • Jacey Bauman
  • Elijah Bennett
  • Luke Ferranto
  • Kennedi Fischer
  • Sophie Garcia
  • Emma Gegg
  • Vivian Kiefer
  • Allison Loudenback
  • Eleanor McKlin
  • Cecilia Mooney
  • Briana Pfaff
  • Abigail Woodard

 

National Art Honor Society

 

Members of the National Art Honor Society are selected based on outstanding ability in the visual arts, including participation in art shows, art sales, museum exhibitions and gallery exhibitions. Students must also receive teacher recommendations in the areas of creativity, dedication, service and character. In addition, students must earn an “A” average in Fundamentals of Art and maintain that average in each art course that follows. Members include:

  • Jacey Bauman
  • Alivia Bays
  • Kennedi Fischer
  • Vivian Kiefer
  • Miah Klein
  • Kyrah Kreitler
  • Trinity Monroe
  • Briana Pfaff
  • Linley Wehner

 

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 Scholar. Members include:

  • Caiden Breeden
  • Chloe Dixon
  • Jordyn Garrett-Grau
  • Tegan Graves
  • Josephine Guilford
  • Carter Hogenmiller
  • Millie Huffman
  • Lucille Hunsley
  • Tristian Keith
  • Marlena Lueken
  • Eleanor McKlin
  • Emily Merrifield
  • Isaiah Messer

 

Société Honoraire de Français (French Honor Society)

 

The Société Honoraire de Français is a national honor society established in 1949. To qualify as a member in the Ste. Genevieve chapter, students must be enrolled in French III or higher, have maintained a grade of A- or higher in French classes and have a total unweighted GPA of 3.2 or higher. Students must also volunteer five hours per school year in our local community with one of the French Colonial organizations. Members include:

  • Jacey Bauman
  • Eleanor McKlin

 

Student Council:

 

These students were selected by their peers to serve as leaders and are recognized for their dedication to service, school involvement and positive impact on the Ste. Genevieve community. Their leadership has been guided by the following four pillars: Inspire Greatness, Serve Others, Be More, and Lead. Through their commitment to leadership, collaboration and school spirit, they have helped strengthen the culture and traditions of SGHS while representing the student body with gusto throughout their high school career:

  • Elijah Bennett (Co-President)
  • Austin Hendrix
  • Millie Huffman (Executive Board Member)
  • Briana Pfaff
  • Abigail Woodard

 

A+ Schools Program

 

This is the 25th 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:

  • Alex Basler
  • Sawyer Bauman
  • Alivia Bays
  • Elijah Bennett
  • Damon Brooks
  • Carly Fernow
  • Luke Ferranto
  • Kennedi Fischer
  • Emma Gegg
  • Josephine Guilford
  • Carter Hogenmiller
  • Millie Huffman
  • Lucille Hunsley
  • Jeffrey Hunter
  • Lillian Kohler
  • Kyrah Kreitler
  • Allison Loudenback
  • Marlena Lueken
  • Abigail Merklin
  • Katelyn Moll
  • Taylor Peterson
  • Briana Pfaff
  • Talan Pinkley
  • Jacob Sulser
  • Chloe Tarrillion
  • Paul Taylor
  • Chase Thompson
  • Cameron Vogt
  • Jacob Warren
  • Linley Wehner
  • Abigail Woodard
  • Gavin Zerwig

 

FFA State Degree

 

The State FFA degree is the highest degree a member can receive at the state level. 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. Students must have earned and productively invested at least $1,000 and worked at least 300 hours in excess of scheduled class time, in a supervised agricultural experience program; demonstrated leadership ability by performing parliamentary law procedures, giving a speech on a topic relating to agriculture, and serving as an FFA officer or committee chairperson; completed a community service record; and have a satisfactory academic record, certified by the agriculture teacher and the school principal. The FFA State Degree recipients for the Class of 2026 are:

  • Alysa Beckermann
  • Jacob Sulser

 

Senior Class Officers of 2026

 

  • President: Briana Pfaff
  • Executive Member: Jacey Bauman
  • Executive Member: Elijah Bennett
  • Executive Member: Vivian Kiefer
  • Executive Member: Eleanor McKlin

 

Students Enlisting in the Military

 

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

  • Ryder Keyser — Army National Guard
  • Emily Merrifield — Army National Guard
  • Kynnadie Weibrecht — 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 2026 are:

  • Sawyer Bauman
  • Alysa Beckermann
  • Evan Coin
  • Connor Grass
  • Chloe Gross
  • Austin Hendrix
  • Carter Hogenmiller
  • Millie Huffman
  • Olivia Kirchner
  • Cameron LaRose
  • Emily Merrifield
  • Fallon Mitchell
  • Trinity Monroe
  • Lilah Oberreiter
  • Taylor Peterson
  • Ragan Picou
  • Lillian Schwent
  • Chase Thompson
  • Brian Vancil, III
  • Jacob Warren

 

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 2026 are:

  • Alexander Basler
  • Alivia Bays
  • Elijah Bennett
  • Chloe Choate
  • Jason Engel
  • Carly Fernow
  • Josephine Guilford
  • Conner Hardin
  • Jeffrey Hunter, Jr.
  • Ryder Keyser
  • Miah Klein
  • Lillian Kohler
  • Kyrah Kreitler
  • Allison Loudenback
  • Marlena Lueken
  • Abigail Merklin
  • Briana Pfaff
  • Justin Slinkard
  • Jacob Sulser
  • Chloe Tarrillion
  • Madden Wolk
  • Gavin Zerwig

 

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 2026 are:

  • Jacey Bauman
  • Luke Ferranto
  • Kennedi Fischer
  • Sophie Garcia
  • Emma Gegg
  • Gavin Gegg
  • Tylin Hager
  • Lucille Hunsley
  • Vivian Kiefer
  • Eleanor McKlin
  • Cecilia Mooney
  • Paul Taylor
  • Linley Wehner
  • Abigail Woodard

 

George Washington Carver Award

 

The Missouri George Washington Carver Award is an academic honor recognizing the top 10% of high school graduating seniors in the state. Presented by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), it honors outstanding scholastic performance and honors the legacy of Missourian Dr. George Washington Carver, an inspirational scientist, botanist, educator and inventor. The following students have earned this honor for high achievement during their four years in high school:

  • Jacey Bauman
  • Luke Ferranto
  • Kennedi Fischer
  • Gavin Gegg
  • Lucille Hunsley
  • Vivian Kiefer
  • Eleanor McKlin
  • Cecilia Mooney
  • Paul Taylor
  • Abigail Woodard

 

President’s Award for Education Excellence

 

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

  • Nathan Cummings
  • Kennedi Fischer
  • Gavin Gegg
  • Conner Hardin
  • Millie Huffman
  • Vivian Kiefer
  • Lillian Kohler
  • Marlena Lueken
  • Eleanor McKlin
  • Cecilia Mooney
  • Jacob Sulser
  • Paul Taylor
  • Madden Wolk
  • Gavin Zerwig

 

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 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:

  • Emma Gegg
  • Gavin Gegg
  • Kennedi Fischer
  • Vivian Kiefer
  • Briana Pfaff
  • Linley Wehner

 

2026 Local Scholarship Recipients & Post-Secondary Plans

 

This year, local businesses, organizations and families awarded more than $120,000 in local scholarships to SGHS seniors! This incredible support reflects the generosity of our local businesses, organizations, and families—and the strong bond between our school and community.

 

The following seniors received scholarships from local businesses and organizations:

 

Alex Basler:

  • Lindenwood University
  • SGHS Boys Basketball
  • Vern Bauman Contracting Co.

 

Jacey Bauman:

  • Maryville University
  • Citizens Electric
  • Rotary Student of the Month
  • Genevieve Community Foundation

 

Sawyer Bauman:

  • State Tech
  • Elks Tech Recognition
  • Riverside Landscaping, Inc.

 

Alivia Bays:

  • University of Central Missouri
  • Hoffman Foundation
  • Genevieve County Democratic Club

 

Alysa Beckermann:

  • Southeast Missouri State University
  • Dennis P. Flieg Memorial
  • Donze Family Foundation FFA
  • SGHS Future Farmers of America (FFA)

 

Elijah Bennett:

  • Missouri State University
  • SGHS Boys Basketball
  • SGHS Student Council
  • Genevieve Riverdogs

 

Luke Ferranto:

  • Culver-Stockton University
  • All-Sports Boosters
  • Bloomsdale Elementary PTO
  • Brockmiller Construction, Inc.
  • Genevieve Elk’s #2674 – Student of the Month
  • Lost Acres Tractor Club
  • United Steelworkers Local 169G

 

Kennedi Fischer:

  • University of Missouri-Columbia
  • American Legion Auxiliary Unit #150
  • Buchholtz-Kiefer American Legion Post #150
  • Genevieve Elk’s #2674 – Student of the Month
  • Sons of the American Legion – Dennis P. Flieg Memorial
  • Genevieve Memorial Hospital Medical Staff

 

Sophie Garcia:

  • University of Missouri-Columbia
  • Bloomsdale Excavating Co.
  • Genevieve Rotary Club

 

Emma Gegg:

  • Mineral Area College
  • All-Sports Boosters
  • Don Heil Oil Co.
  • Lakenan Insurance
  • Nancy L. Breig Memorial
  • Nicki Reed Memorial
  • Rotary Student of the Month
  • The Farmer’s Table 4-H

 

Gavin Gegg:

  • University of Missouri-Columbia
  • Armella Peterson
  • Dennis Walker / VFW Post #2210
  • Genevieve Elk’s #2674 – Student of the Month
  • Environmental Products, Inc.
  • First State Community Bank of Ste. Genevieve
  • MFA Foundation
  • R&K Excavation
  • Genevieve County Mart

 

Keilee Grissom

  • SG R-II MSTA / CTA

 

Josephine Guilford:

  • Jefferson College
  • Eric Scott International, LLC
  • Lost Acres Tractor Club
  • SGNEA

 

Tylin Hager:

  • Bloom Beauty Institute
  • Rotary Student of the Month
  • Genevieve Jaycees

 

Carter Hogenmiller:

  • Mineral Area College
  • Genevieve Men’s Horseshoe League

 

Millie Huffman:

  • Lindenwood University
  • SGHS Student Council

 

Lucille Hunsley:

  • Truman University
  • Duane Donze Memorial
  • Genevieve Elk’s #2674 – Student of the Month
  • Peggy J. Johnson Memorial

 

Jeffrey Hunter, Jr.:

  • Louis Community College
  • Coleman Resources

 

Ryder Keyser:

  • Army National Guard
  • Elks Military Recognition

 

Vivian Kiefer:

  • University of Louisville
  • Basler Funeral Home
  • Dennis Walker / VFW Post #2210
  • Genevieve Elk’s #2674 – Student of the Month
  • Nancy L. Breig Memorial
  • Sons of the American Legion – Dennis P. Flieg Memorial
  • Zell Area Jaycees

 

Olivia Kirchner:

  • University of Missouri-Columbia
  • Bloomsdale Elementary PTO

 

Lillian Kohler:

  • State Fair Community College
  • Alvin Brown Memorial
  • Nancy L. Breig Memorial

 

Kyrah Kreitler:

  • University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • Betty Geraghty Memorial / Art Guild
  • Fury Softball
  • Little Saline Sportsman’s Club
  • Mid-East Missouri Contractors Association
  • Mikel Stewart Memorial
  • Rotary Student of the Month
  • SG R-II Faculty & Staff

 

Marlena Lueken:

  • University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • Rotary Student of the Month

 

Allison Loudenback:

  • Jefferson College
  • T. Drury Contracting Inc.
  • SGHS Mentors

 

Eleanor McKlin:

  • Missouri State University
  • Ability Network, Inc.
  • Bloomsdale Bank
  • Genevieve Elk’s #2674 – Student of the Month
  • Environmental Products, Inc.
  • First State Community Bank of Ste. Genevieve
  • GFWC Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve – Helen Smith
  • Local Small Business
  • Genevieve Lions Club

 

Abigail Merklin:

  • Jefferson College
  • Andrew Mazuco Memorial
  • Linda Coleman-Henson Memorial

 

Emily Merrifield:

  • Army National Guard
  • Elks Military Recognition

 

Drake Meyer:

  • McKendree University
  • Genevieve Women’s Horseshoe League

 

Katelyn Moll:

  • Mineral Area College
  • MFA Foundation
  • Weingarten Jaycees

 

Cecilia Mooney:

  • Southern Illinois University
  • GFWC Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve – Young Woman’s – Bob Gustafson Memorial
  • Genevieve Elk’s #2674 – Student of the Month
  • SGHS Band Boosters
  • SGNEA

 

Evan Naeger:

  • Missouri Welding Institute
  • Rick & Betty O’Bryan Memorial

 

Briana Pfaff:

  • Colorado Christian University
  • All-Sports Boosters
  • Buchholtz-Kiefer American Legion Post #150
  • Rotary Student of the Month
  • SGHS Student Council

 

Ragan Picou:

  • Southeast Missouri State University
  • Lindsay Roth Memorial
  • SG R-II MSTA / CTA

 

Katelyn Ross:

  • Cape Career Center
  • Genevieve County Ambulance District Paramedic

 

Lillian Schwent:

  • Jefferson College
  • Genevieve Chamber of Commerce
  • The Farmer’s Table FFA

 

Brenden Sexton:

  • Southeast Missouri State University
  • Les Capitaines

 

Jacob Sulser:

  • Jefferson College
  • Dennis P. Flieg Memorial
  • SGHS Band Boosters
  • SGHS Future Farmers of America (FFA)

 

Chloe Tarrillion:

  • Mineral Area College
  • Hoffman Foundation
  • Nancy L. Breig Memorial
  • Peggy J. Johnson Memorial

 

Paul Taylor:

  • Southeast Missouri State University
  • All-Sports Boosters
  • Genevieve Elk’s #2674 – Student of the Month
  • MRV Banks
  • SG R-II Faculty & Staff

 

Chase Thompson:

  • State Tech
  • Mikel Stewart Memorial
  • Nancy L. Breig Memorial
  • Genevieve County Tech Foundation

 

Lydia Vaeth:

  • Paul Mitchell
  • August “Gus” Grein Jr. Memorial

 

Linley Wehner:

  • Jefferson College
  • All-Sports Boosters
  • Fury Softball
  • Mikel Stewart Memorial
  • Rotary Student of the Month

 

Kynnadie Weibrecht:

  • Army National Guard
  • Elks Military Recognition

 

Madden Wolk:

  • Harding University
  • All-Sports Boosters
  • American Legion Riders
  • Rotary Student of the Month
  • Genevieve Vision Care

 

Abigail Woodard:

  • Southeast Missouri State University
  • Bethany Bequette Memorial
  • Bill Karl Memorial
  • DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)
  • Donze Family Foundation Community Legacy
  • Genevieve Elk’s #2674 – Student of the Month
  • Mikel Stewart Memorial
  • National Wild Turkey Federation
  • SGHS Student Council
  • Genevieve Rotary Club

 

Gavin Zerwig:

  • Jefferson College
  • Rotary Student of the Month

 

***

 

POST-SECONDARY OVERVIEW:

 

The organizations / businesses / fields the Class of 2026 will pursue following graduation include:

 

  • Apprenticeship
  • Central Methodist University (CMU)
  • Colorado Christian University
  • Cosmetology
  • Culver-Stockton College
  • Harding University
  • Jefferson College (JeffCo)
  • Lindenwood University
  • Maryville University
  • McKendree University
  • Military
  • Mineral Area College (MAC)
  • Mission Trip
  • Missouri State University (MSU)
  • Missouri Welding Institute (MWI)
  • Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO)
  • Southern Illinois University – Carbondale (SIUC)
  • Louis Community College (STLCC)
  • State Fair Community College
  • State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech)
  • Truman State University
  • University of Central Missouri (UCM)
  • University of Louisville
  • University of Missouri – Columbia (MIZZOU)
  • University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC)
  • Work Force

 

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:

 

Computer Solutions; County Home Center; Drury Outdoors; Fischer Quarry & Hauling; Lurk Custom Cabinets; Quarry Workers Local #839; Rosie’s Posies LLC; Shuh & Sons Plumbing HTG & A/C; Ste. Genevieve County Farmers Market; and Tower Rock Stone Co.