'LIVING IN THE MOMENT'

The Kimball High School Class of 2024, a group of individuals with some remarkable achievements, celebrated its graduation on May 11. The ceremony began at 11 a.m. with 29 individuals, each with unique accomplishments, receiving their long-awaited diplomas.

The National Anthem was sung by Rachel Berger, Amber Childers, Carlee Murdoch and Rene Murdoch. Special recognition was given to former elementary guidance counselor Mr. Jim Reeves, who unexpectedly passed away five years ago. Mr. Jim Reeves was a special teacher and friend to many, according to new graduates Jessica Terrill and Carlee Murdoch.

Recognized as graduating with honors and members of the National Honor Society were Grace Anderson, Aspyn Kiefer, Landon Norberg, Jessica Terrill and Julia Winstrom.

Speakers included valedictorian Grace Anderson, who said she used her senior year to change her perspective. Realizing that life happens and things change, Grace stressed that acts of kindness and words of encouragement make for small victories.

"Live in the moment," she said

Salutatorian Aspyn Kiefer, referring to valuable life lessons, acknowledged that the difficult experiences in life don't define you.

Those receiving scholarships and awards were:

• Grace Anderson – Haven and Virginia Smith, Josh Norberg, Douglas and Jo Christopherson, Rich Toombs, the Booster Club, Kimball FFA Alumni, Z&S FFA, the Kimball Public School Foundation, St. Joseph's Rosary Altar Society, and the VFW.

• Jasmine Gawith – Kimball Fire Department, Todd Henrickson.

• Aspyn Kiefer – Shelley Cornils Scholarship, the Kimball Public Schools Foundation Scholarship, and the WNCC Early Acceptance Scholarship.

• Blaize Kizzair – Class of 1973.

• Braylon Miller – Charlotte Gross Endowment, WTC, Douglas and Jo Christopherson, Lenard and Lewise Forman, Myrtle Jones, Booster Club, Kimball Fire Department Auxiliary, Class of 1973, Knights of Columbus, WNCC Early Decision, Kimball County Home Extension, VFW Auxiliary, WNCC Board of Governors.

Carlee Murdoch – Music Parents, Kimball FFA Alumni, Z&S FFA, Kimball Public Schools Foundation, Farmers Day Queen, WNCC Leadership.

Jessica Terrill – Kimball Education Association, Music Parents, VWF, Bill Carrol Eagles, Knights of Columbus, James Eatmon Grand Masonic Lodge, Kimball County Home Extension, Lawrence Haug Memorial Scholarship/Bushnell Lions Club.

Julia Winstrom – WTC, Haines, Kimball FFA Alumni, Z&S FFA, Kimball County Home Extension, Farmers Day Queen.

Friends and family, whose unwavering support and encouragement played a crucial role in the graduates' journey, were able to give their heartfelt congratulations in the receiving line after the ceremony.