WINFIELD – The threat of rain Sunday couldn’t keep the Winfield High School graduates or their family and friends away as the commencement ceremony unfolded on the football field.

As a few sprinkles fell, Superintendent of Schools Rod Hamlett opened the ceremony with some humor.

“Who knew that after weathering the storm for the past four years, you literally would be thinking about weathering the storm for graduation too,” laughed Hamlett.

“I want to thank you for dedication to your studies, your passion in extracurriculars and your unwavering spirit through every challenge. You’ve brought so much life, laughter and learning to the hallways of Winfield High School. From unforgettable successes on the athletic fields, to aspiring performances, from groundbreaking projects to quiet moments of friendships, you left a mark on this school and all of us,” said Hamlett.

The Senior choir ensemble kicked off the graduation with their rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and then followed that with their special Music of “Unwritten.”

Student Council President Maxfield Renteria thanked everyone involved in helping get the class of 2025 to this moment.

“Over the last few weeks I’ve given lots of thought to exactly what kind of speech I wanted to give. Should I be heartfelt, enthusiastic, or try to be funny,” Renteria asked. “Should I focus on our future, our past, or how important the present is. None of those are bad ideas, but walking down to my seat just a few minutes ago I passed our school Mascot, The Warrior. I realized exactly what I wanted to say.”

“When I moved here in seventh grade, I thought the school Warrior mascot was merely to strike fear into our opponents because the Warrior is a skilled, intelligent fighter. As I’ve grown though I’ve watched many of use undergo challenges that should’ve broken us. I was exposed to the adversity of poverty, loss of life and lack of direction. This is where I realized why we are warriors. My wonderful friends didn’t shrink away or become bitter. We became more courageous and decided to help others who were facing challenges. I watched my friends fight to be brave in the face of their fear, tackle their problems with unabashed resolve and push to inspire other people and pull each other up in the process. That is the Warrior Way,” said Renteria.

Mrs. Ericka Dixon, Winfield Primary Principal, was the chosen special guest the graduates requested to speak on their behalf.

“Today is more than just a ceremony. It is a celebration of a journey, a journey that I have had a tremendous privilege of watching from the beginning. Many of you were just five years old when I first met you. Wide eyed full of wonder, unsure of what school meant but ready to learn, ready to grow, and even then, full of potential.” Dixon said.

“I stood at the doors of Winfield primary and watched you walk in, backpack bigger than your bodies, holding hands with your parents or clinging to a favorite stuffed animal for comfort and here you are today walking into your future with strength, confidence, and purpose, you have come so far,” said Dixon.

Each student had a small gift under their chairs chosen especially for them from Dixon.

“It may not look like much but it holds something powerful, a compass. It’s a symbol not just of the journey you’re about to take, but of the journey you’ve already lived,” she explained. “As you follow your compass into new adventures, through challenges, changes and chapters yet unwritten. Remember that it was Winfield that gave you your true North.”

The Top 10 academic achievers recognized included Lilly Harl, Isabel Reinebach, Emma Dixon, Jersy Nelke, Delaney Whitfield, Nicholas Augustine, Camile Schulte, Jamie Parr, Evie Stark and Callie Schulte.

Stark was the next to give her Salutatorian speech, thanking those who have helped her throughout high school.

“I wanted to especially thank all of my coaches and teammates for pushing me to become the best person I can be, both on and off the field. They’ve taught me discipline, determination and that just one more drill, never actually means just one more.” Stark said. “They made me a better athlete, a better leader, and most importantly a better version of myself. The lesson that meant the most to me was how to take the initiative and put myself out there and go beyond my comfort zone. Now that we are all graduating from high school we will all have to push ourselves out of our own comfort zones and try new things. Always remember life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.”

Valedictorian Callie Schulte gave a heartfelt speech about what it means to be graduating at the top of her class.

“I know what you’re thinking, a Schulte being a valedictorian, trust me I’m shocked too,” Schulte laughed.

“As many of you know, I am Lincoln County born and raised. I am a Schulte so it’s not surprising that I’m still here. For as long as I can remember I have said, I can’t wait to leave this place. First of all, I’m not leaving, I’m going to Mizzou. Second, now that its time to leave I wish I had more of it but we don’t get more time. The moment has arrived,” Schulte said.

The last student speaker of the day was Senior Class President, Charlotte Cryts.

“Remember that this place, these faces are not just memories, they’re a place we can always return to, recharge and find the strength to keep going, so as we sit her to today remember where we come from, remember who we have and who we are,” she said. “Wherever we may end up remember that home is not just a place it’s a feeling. It’s a feeling of belonging, of love and immense support. Congratulations class of 2025 ‘We Made it’.”

As the students prepared to walk across the stage, Hamlett introduced the class and asked if they would indulge him for just a moment.

“I would love to get a quick selfie,” Hamlett said as he proceeded to take selfies with the class. “I’ve always wanted to do that.”

As graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, their names were announced with pride. Each student’s walk was unique, some waved enthusiastically, others paused for a quick pose, one even accepted his diploma and then proceeded to land an amazing backflip off the stage, while a few fought back tears.

The graduation ceremony was not just an end but a celebration of beginnings, leaving everyone present with a renewed sense of hope for the future. The day on the football field will undoubtedly be etched in the memories of all who attended as a moment of collective triumph and joy.