By Lascena Berryman

SILEX – Graduation day is a momentous occasion marking the culmination of years of dedication, learning, and growth. On Sunday, the 25 graduates of Silex High School gathered with their families, friends, and faculty to celebrate this significant achievement and step forward into the next chapter of their lives.

The event was a testament to the students’ hard work, resilience, and aspirations for the future.

The Silex High School graduation ceremony was held in the school’s gymnasium and families, friends and faculty packed the bleachers to watch the momentous occasion.

The commencement began with a warm welcome from the superintendent of Silex R-1, Nick Heggemann.

“Class of 2025, today as a result of your commitment, effort and perseverance, you’ve faced challenges unique to your generation. Some expected, many not, but through it all you’ve shown resilience, creativity and a strong sense of community”. Heggemann said. “These qualities will serve you as you move forward into college, careers and life beyond the classroom”.

Claire Kinion, a member of the 2025 class, gave the invocation and blessing to her fellow classmates and family and friends.

“As we go forward to the next chapter of our lives, we ask for your blessing”, Kinion said “Give us courage when we face the unknown, wisdom to make good choices and compassion to impact the world around us for the better. Help us to always remember where we came from, the values we’ve learned and the bonds we’ve formed. Although our paths may lead us far from each other we will carry our roots with pride because we know ‘Once an Owl, Always and Owl,’”

Emily Milner, Silex R-1 Counselor, announced the A+ Scholarship recipients, Niki Carroll, Maci Mooney, JW Noxon, and Easton Twellman. Milner also announced the top ten students ranked by GPA for the class of 2025 beginning with number ten through three, Kenzee James, JW Noxon, Easton Twellman, Isabel Groff, Lillian Mazzei, Clair Kinion, Cecilia Southerland and Niki Carroll. The Salutatorian ranked number two is Klaire Thoroughman and the Valedictorian ranked number one for the Silex Owls Class of 2025 is McKenna Claborn.

National Honor Society Members Niki Carroll, Mckenna Claborn, Claire Kinion, Cecilia Southerland, Klair Thoroughman and Easton Twellman were also noted in the commencement program.

Robert James, principal at Silex R-1, introduced Valedictorian McKenna Claborn.

“McKenna is a very involved student who made such a large impact on myself and our school”. James said. “She was very involved in cross country, track, NHS and soccer just to list a few. Earlier this year McKenna and her Ag team became national champions”.

Valedictorian McKenna Claborn gave a heartfelt faith-based speech highlighting many things herself and fellow classmates feel about their time at Silex High School coming to an end.

“Most of you know that I was born in Minnesota, lived in Kansas, and have been raised in the small town of Silex Missouri since the third grade. If you had told me 10 years ago that I’d graduate from the same school as my grandma I probably wouldn’t have believed you. I only had a few years with her she passed away with cancer when I was three”. Claborn said “I sat in classrooms she once sat in, I walked the same halls, and the school that helped shape my grandma has also helped shaped me.”

“Currently in this season of my life, my favorite bible verse is Second Corinthians 4:17 ‘For this light momentary affliction, is preparing us for the eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.’ This has been a solid reminder to me that no matter what we are going through, whatever trials we face, they are just light afflictions, because even the worst of it by the measure of eternity is only just a moment. Life by world standards, has nothing on the scale of eternity that God has prepared for us” said Claborn.

James then introduced the Salutatorian, Klaire Thoroughman.

“Claire is a very driven young lady and has set specific goals and is following her goals with passion and hard work. She participates in track, basketball, NHS, FFA and soccer to name a few,” James said.

“The Silex/Elsberry soccer team is currently ranked number one in the state as they head into district play. It is very much the goal of Claire’s and her teammates to bring home the state championship.”

“I learned its good to try new things, because they always teach you something, whether you end of liking them or not. These moments are what school is really about, not just grades or GPA, but the experiences that have taught us friendship, hard work and purpose,” Thoroughman said.

“They’re reminders that success isn’t simply accomplished alone, it’s built with the support of people around you. What you do matters, every contribution is meaningful. Your journey in life new meaning by living it with passion and purpose. Class of 2025, we did it,” said Thoroughman.

The graduates had a special presentation of flowers given to their families and special teachers and staff that helped them throughout their high school years. “See you again” by Charlie Puth & Wiz Khalifa played as the flowers were handed out.

Class of 2025 Silex R-1 high school included, Ethan Brawley, David Lee Carpenter, Niki Carroll, McKenna Claborn, Christopher Dyess, Tyler Faulk, Isabel Groff, Ryder Hopkins, Kenzee James, Claire Kinion, Rebecca Leeser, Lillian Mazzei, Maci Mooney, JW Noxon, Will Roberts, Cayden Seithel, Mitchell Seithel, Cecilia Southerland, Nathan Stout, Klaire Thoroughman, Gavin Thrasher, Madison Tracy, Haley Turkington, Easton Twellman, and Carter Wood.

The graduates then stood proud as they received their diplomas, signifying the completion of their high school journey. Each diploma represented countless hours of studying, participation in school activities, and personal growth. As their names were called, cheers and applause filled the room, underscoring the collective pride and joy shared by everyone present.

Many graduates have plans to attend college, vocational schools, or enter the workforce directly. Their aspirations range across diverse fields, including engineering, healthcare, arts, business, and technology. Others expressed a desire to contribute to their local communities by pursuing initiatives that drive positive change.

The conclusion of the ceremony was marked by a joyous celebration, complete with the recessional music of “Back in Black” by ACDC, laughter, and photographs to capture the memories of the day.

As the class of Silex High School embarks on new adventures, they carry with them the lessons learned and the bonds formed during their years at school. Their graduation marks the beginning of a promising chapter filled with opportunities, challenges, and growth.