245 receive diplomas at SHS commencement

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Just like their commencement speakers suggested, members of the graduating class of 2010 have made some great melodies over the past four years, but their best song has yet to be heard.

Two hundred forty-five Sikeston High School and New Horizon School students received their diplomas Tuesday night at the 109th annual commencement at the Sikeston Field House.

Only three-thousandths of a point separated academic leaders of the class. Taylor Renfroe was named as valedictorian and Christian Dzurny as salutatorian.

Class president Mykesha Jackson presented the class speakers, and Renfroe read the senior poem.

Earlier this year seniors competed for the right to address family and friends during the ceremony. Selected speakers were Kingston Arthur, Elizabeth Engram and Claudia Davis. Each speech was drafted with an underlying theme of music to the senior poem.

In his speech, "It Isn't Over Yet," Arthur reminds students their lives aren't finished when they receive their diplomas, but they're just beginning.

"Our experiences in Sikeston and the people that this town has surrounded us with has gotten us ready to keep playing and prove to you and the world that the best part of our song has yet to be sung," Arthur said.

The class of 2010 is the future, he said.

"When our songs are complete, and we sing our melodies for all to hear, it will be one of the most beautiful sounds this world has ever heard," Arthur said.

In her speech, "Living Your Best Life," Engram said the letters A-G -- the seven notes in a musical scale -- also represent the qualities students become as adults. When discussing adulthood, the letters stand for ambition, believe, change, dedication, enjoy life, freedom and generosity, she said.

"These qualities are all important, but they won't serve us well alone," Engram said. "Just like the seven notes in a scale, they will form something wonderful when combined. We can use these qualities to make our lives the best they can possibly be."

In "Don't Blink," Davis said although there are songs students can relate to, now it's time for them to write their own songs.

"Our song has not been sung, but it is up to us to weave a beautiful melody based upon the starting notes and pitches that we gained in Sikeston High School," Davis said.

Principal Tom Williams, who was introduced by Wes Sutton, then announced honors and awards of graduates.

Sikeston R-6 Superintendent Steve Borgsmiller presented the class, and he was introduced by Lauren Burdin.

Board of Education President Scott Crumpecker, who handed out diplomas, was introduced by Sarah Mickey. Academic leader Kim Jackson and assistant principal Gary Silverthorn, who were introduced by Mickey, also helped award diplomas.

Missouri State University was a popular school choice for several of the graduates as were other Missouri schools such as Southeast Missouri State University, University of Missouri-Columbia and Three Rivers Community College, according to senior counselor Kim Thornbrough.

Different college choices this year include the University of Denver in Denver, Colo., and College of Charleston, S.C., Thornbrough said.

High school English teacher Crystal Doser said the class of 2010 is comprised of good athletes, artists and writers.

"They had a good sense of humor," Doser said of the seniors. "They're all good kids."

The class president agreed.

"I know it sounds cliche, but I'm really proud of my class," Jackson said. "... I'm really proud to say I'm a bulldog and bleeding red and black."

Jackson plans to attend Truman State University where she wants to study political science and learn two or three languages. She said she'd like to pursue a career in foreign diplomacy.

"I'm excited about the future and to see how much my hard work pays off," Jackson said.

Over $2.5 million was awarded to class members to further their educations. Among students receiving scholarships are Paxton McReynolds and Renfroe.

McReynolds plans to attend Universal Technical Institute where he will study automotive and diesel technology and specialize in Cummins diesel. He scored 24th out of over 2,000 applicants in the program's exam. Among scholarships he earned was from Imagine America.

"I'm ready," McReynolds said before graduating Tuesday.

Renfroe received 11 local scholarships and earned free tuition at Missouri State University.

"I'm so excited and looking forward to the future," Renfroe said prior to graduation.

Renfroe plans to earn a degree in music education and a master's degree in music therapy.

"I'm ready to grow," Renfroe said. "I want to help out people the way they've helped me and make a difference."