Time To Git-R-Done

Emotions and tears are standard for many seniors on graduation day, but the immediate future is “all coming together” for one Kimball senior.

KHS senior Justin Klosterman is “ready to go” and “excited” for the next chapter in his life. In fall, he will attend Chadron State College to pursue a wildlife management degree to become a game warden, something he has planned for the last 10 years.

Shortly after graduation, Justin and fellow senior James McGinnis will gain some practical experience this summer by working for the Colorado Game and Parks Department at Tamarack Ranch State Wildlife Area.

As for now, Monday was Senior Skip Day, but Justin was cutting pipe and building fence. Other seniors were at a math contest in South Dakota. Wednesday was the seniors final day, and Thursday is their last track meet unless they qualify for the state meet in Omaha. The Class of 2023 is wrapping up its final high school days.

Graduation day for area seniors from Kimball, Potter-Dix, and Banner County is May 13. Commencement times are staggered throughout the day with Kimball at 11 a.m., Potter-Dix at 2 p.m. and Banner County concluding the ceremonies at 3 p.m.

Kimball High School will graduate 21 seniors with Charlotte Hargreaves the valedictorian and Emma Patterson the salutatorian.

Class president James McGinnis will welcome family and friends to the event, and the national anthem will be sung by Jadyen Paxton and Emma Patterson before the Class of 2023 receive its diplomas.

The Kimball Class of 2023 motto will carry them into the future: “To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream, not only plan but also believe.” This was written by Anatole France.

Potter-Dix High School, meanwhile, has 15 graduates. At Honors Night on Monday, the valedictorians and salutatorian were announced. The valedictorians are Jayden Shoemaker and Zach Rotert, and the salutatorian is Luke Kasten. The P-D seniors have selected English instructor Mr. DeWitt as their speaker.

The Banner County Wildcats will graduate seven seniors. Three of the graduates will be attending WNCC and have received early admission scholarships. Other classmates have selected LCCC, enlisted in the Army National Guard or will enter the workforce.

The Observer will be listing the latest honors and future plans for Kimball, Banner County and Potter-Dix graduates in upcoming editions.