WILSON CREEK — The Wilson Creek High School Class of 2025 is going places. 

“Every one of you has made this bold and admirable decision to pursue higher education,” Dean of Students Anna Thomas told the nine graduating seniors May 31. “You've all chosen to invest in yourselves, to take the next step, to challenge your mind, to grow into the people you're meant to be. What I find especially remarkable is how you've done it together. You've grown up, side-by-side in a small school, knowing each other in ways that no one else ever will, and now you're about to scatter across the state and the country, each heading off to something new.” 

The Class of 2025 has received a total of more than $82,000 in scholarships, according to Thomas. 

The traditions surrounding Wilson Creek’s graduation are a little different from other schools. The gym is split in half and still doesn’t fill up, so students can have as many family and friends in attendance as they like. The other half of the gym is set up with tables laden with photos, awards and memorabilia from each student’s 12 years of school. The students do their own decorations and choose their own speakers.  

“This class in particular has been together for the majority since kindergarten,” Thomas said. “They’re very connected.” 

The salutatorian was Allie Newman, and the valedictorian was Madison Finkbeiner. Finkbeiner spoke about the dynamics of growing up in a small community. 

“We all come from similar backgrounds, yet have diverse personalities, which has led to some interesting times,” she said. “That’s what makes our class special. None of us are afraid to show who we are. My hope is that that never changes.” 

English and history teacher Nick Weitzel was the students’ chosen guest speaker. The students had come a long way since he first encountered them, he said.  

“I remember when I first got this class, they were a very rambunctious group of students,” he said. “Several students in this class I called ‘squirrels’ … because they could not sit down for five minutes to work without constant reminders from me and more than a few write-ups and more than a few people sent to the office … What I see before me is not a bunch of young, rambunctious and unfocused students; they’re an amazing group of young adults that all have high hopes and dreams for their future, as they should.” 

Before she read off the list of students and the scholarships and awards they had earned, Thomas added a few final words. 

“Don't let anyone tell you that education doesn't matter,” she said. “It does because education isn't just about a degree. It's about how you think, how you lead, how you contribute to the world. It shapes who you become. And so, as you go, whether it's to community college, university, trade school or beyond, know this: we are so proud of you. We believe in you, and no matter how far you go, you'll always have a home here in Wilson Creek.”

    Wilson Creek High School Class of 2025 Salutatorian Allie Newman smiles as she gets a certificate from Superintendent Laura Christian at graduation May 31.
  

    Wilson Creek High School Class of 2025 senior Chase Jarvis receives his diploma from School Board Member Brent Finkbeiner at graduation May 31.
  

    Wilson Creek High School Class of 2025 senior Madison Finkbeiner accepts her diploma and a hug from School Board Member – and dad – Brent Finkbeiner at graduation May 31.
  

    The Wilson Creek High School class of 2025 tosses its caps – and some glitter – in the air after graduation May 31.