Schools to hold Graduations this weekend

Perryville High School will graduate 168 seniors on Friday, May 17 at 7 p.m. at the Perry Park Center. Perryville High School has selected Simon Wibbenmeyer to deliver the student commencement address. Simon is the son of Greg and Julie Wibbenmeyer of Perryville, and brother to Aaron and Lucy. His grandparents are David and Rosella Bohnert of Perryville, and Mike and Cindy Wibbenmeyer of Friedheim.
Simon has recently been in the news for his accomplishments in the world of science and engineering. He invented a device that can generate electricity from any home water source including faucets, spigots, and gutters. Simon used a 3-D printer to manufacture the device, has won several regional and state science awards, and has qualified for national and international competitions. He is Missouri’s Representative for the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Project, and will attend the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles from May 11-17, returning home just in time for graduation. He recently returned from the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in Albuquerque, NM. Simon will attend Missouri University of Science and Technology to major in mechanical engineering. He has earned the Missouri S&T Groundbreaker Scholarship ($8,000 renewable for 4 years), the Missouri S&T Trailblazer Scholarship ($2,000, renewable for 4 years), the Perry County Community Task Force DEFY Scholarship ($500), the Procter & Gamble Engineering Scholarship ($500), the John & Hazel Budack Scholarship for Engineering ($2,000), and the Kummer Vanguard Scholarship ($2,000, renewable for 4 years).
Perryville High School’s graduating Class of 2024 has chosen teacher Kersten Fulmer to deliver the commencement address as they bid farewell to PHS on May 17. Commencement ceremonies begin at 7 pm at Perry Park Center. Fulmer is a special education teacher at PHS. She joined the staff of Perry County School District 32 in 2018 as an elementary paraprofessional and moved to the high school in 2020. She has been a math resource instructor and co-taught English. Fulmer holds an associate of arts degree in teaching from Mineral Area College, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central Methodist University, and a certification in Special Education K-12. Next year, she will teach self-contained core classes in a special education setting.
“Being selected as the commencement speaker is an honor and a privilege I never imagined I would receive,” she said. “As much as I value my relationships with my students, I did not realize how many students I’ve been able to impact in a positive light in just four short years. Teaching is my passion but my students are my greatest reason.
“I also enjoy teaching at PHS because I love the community feel I get from my co-workers. Being a teacher has given me a greater purpose and an opportunity to change the world, one child at a time by creating a brighter future for everyone.”
Fulmer says that the PHS Class of 2024 is special, and she plans to give them a unique viewpoint on adulthood and what’s important in life through her speech.

“I would like the world to know just how capable, intelligent, and determined this amazing group of students is,” she said. “ It’s a scary thing knowing our future lies in the hands of those younger than us; however, I feel no fear knowing these are the young people that will carry us through. The world shines brighter because of them.”
Saxony Lutheran High School will hold its Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in the Gerhard Birk Gymnasium. The Saxony Class of 2024 is proud to graduate 54 outstanding graduates.
The Class of 2024 has selected staff member and alumni, Mrs. Melanie Roth, to deliver the commencement address. Mrs. Roth is a 2013 graduate of Saxony Lutheran High School and a 2017 (bachelor’s degree) and 2018 (master’s degree) graduate of Truman State University. She is currently the social studies teacher and the Student Council sponsor at Saxony Lutheran High School. Mrs. Roth said in regarding to her nomination “I am humbled and honored to be addressing the Class of 2024 during their graduation ceremony. Thank you for this privilege.” Mr. Ruark shared that “Melanie becomes our second alumni to be selected to give the graduation address as a member of the faculty. It is a special honor to selected to be the speaker, especially in light of the fact that she is also an alumnus.”
The student speaker will be senior, Grace Ozark. Grace is the daughter of Chad and Dawn Ozark of Perryville. Grace will be attending the University of Mississippi in the fall to pursue a degree in Public Policy Leadership and International Studies with a minor in national security. Grace was nominated by her classmates to deliver the student address. Mr. Ruark noted that “Grace was selected after being nominated by classmates and through an audition process by a committee of faculty members. Grace is a multidimensional student who has excelled in academics, athletics, and fine arts. She is an excellent choice to be the student class speaker.”
Mr. Ruark went on to say that “the Class of 2024 is a unique and special class that has exemplified #TheSaxonyWay during their four years of high school. They have set a standard of excellence in academics and athletics that few classes have achieved in the history of Saxony Lutheran High School.”