"An expanse of green under a beautiful blue sky." That's how Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift described looking out at the Free State High Class of 2025 sitting in neat rows of chairs on the school's football field. "You have everything it takes to move forward in confidence and impact our world in positive and profound ways," Dr. Swift told the graduates. "You are changed by your time here, and Free State is changed by your presence here." Principal Amy McAnarney awarded diplomas to approximately 450 graduating seniors, highlighting their accomplishments in academics, athletics and activities, the arts, and service to others. She also honored 35 Valedictorians for earning perfect 4.0 GPAs and recognized two KSHSAA Citizenship Award recipients, Daijah Preston and Blaine Larkin. Co-Student Council President Elle Cormaney spoke, giving her classmates a symbolic gift -- a new pair of shoes to take them where they want to go, protect them on their journeys, and to showcase their individuality. "Be proud of who you are and the steps that have brought you here. Please take these shoes and run to create your future," she said. Graduating senior Nick Sprecker, whose passions include soccer and journalism, used his remarks to encourage the Firebirds to be present in the moment, such as by noticing that the stars come out every night. "Pay attention. Don't miss the magic of your own life unfolding. Live it consciously," he urged. Speaking on behalf of the Lawrence Board of Education, Vice President GR Gordon-Ross thanked the school staff and the graduates' families, before challenging the members of the Class of 2025 to make a decision before they left the celebration to become lifelong learners. "Learning should never stop," he said. Congratulations, FSHS Class of 2025! #AllStudentsOneTeam (fb)

After lining up in alphabetical order from Collin Adams to Joana Zuazua Mendez, holding onto their caps became the next challenge for Lawrence High's graduating Class of 2025 on a breezy evening under a sunny blue sky in the LHS Stadium. Faculty lined the track for hugs and high-fives as the seniors walked under the arch, onto the track, and found their places on the football field. Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift greeted the 330 seniors with a nod of appreciation to their teachers, support staff, building leaders, and families. She then read from former National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman's poem, "The Hill We Climb," quoting, "The new dawn blooms as we free it, for there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.” She finished with this challenge, "Class of 2025, we are in awe of your brilliant light. Go. Let your light shine." Senior speaker Trent Blettner, shared his "I really like change, have I made myself clear" speech. He spoke of how members of the class had adapted to changing circumstances and learned skills that they can now put to good use. "Take on this ever-changing world and make the most of it ... The world will change; make it the good kind," Blettner said. His classmate Adele Erickson followed Blettner with her own reflection from a fortune cookie, "One must look back to look forward." She spoke of freshman orientation in the same stadium four years ago. "Now we stand here looking to the future, anxiously awaiting what comes next," said Erickson. "Looking at you, I see leaders, I see learners, and I see Lions." From her vantage point, Erickson also saw a colorful sea of black robes adorned with gold cords for students rising to the Top 10% of the class academically, red stoles for National Honor Society members, multicolored strands for the visual arts, blue and gold Quill and Scroll cords denoting members of the Journalism Honor Society, white ones for students earning the Seal of Biliteracy, blue and silver for AVID participants, teal for Native American Student Services, and light blue and gold cords for members of the Superintendent's Advisory Council. School administrators honored 23 Valedictorians for earning perfect 4.0 GPAs and announced that the senior class voted science teacher Marci Leuschen its Teacher of the Year and recognized senior class president Sylvia Oparaji for leadership, involvement, respect, sincerity, and caring. This year's KSHSAA Citizenship Awards honored seniors Ava Kohart and Thomas Sikes. Principal Dr. Quentin Rials told the graduates that a telling predictor of their future success will be the people they choose to surround themselves with - their circle of influence. He then conferred diplomas on the graduates. Congratulations, LHS Class of 2025! #AllStudentsOneTeam (fb)