This year’s Nemaha Central eighth grade class suited up in purple graduation gowns and received their diplomas at their eighth grade promotion on Thursday, May 15, 2025. This school year was their last in the Nemaha Central Elementary & Middle School building before they start their trek through high school. Guiding them through the ceremony was eighth grade class sponsor, Mrs. Angela Bass.
Graduates from the class of 2029 were Evelyn Ba Coc, Tyson Beebe-Dishong, Mason Clary, Khloe Crevier, Karla Deters, Tate Edelman, Luke Ganstrom, Jonathan Gordon, Alyssa Griffith, Aidan Henry, Olivia Hermesch, Piper Hiltgen, Drivyn Hynek, Anna Jost, Jillian Koch, Brecken Kramer, Hudson Kuckelman, Corabelle Langill, Kendrick Maley, Jayla Nolte, Elvis Pop Cucul, Payson Rottinghaus, Lillian Smith, Claire Sourk, Kaden Sperfslage, Zoey Streeter, Trent Stuke, Alyvia Sudbeck, Emma Tangeman, Bryce Weber, Kollin Wagner, Haelyn Wahl, and Madison Ward.
To start the ceremony, the eighth graders walked into the middle school gym while the processional song, “Pomp and Circumstance”, played, and quickly sat in their designated seats. The school counselor, Mrs. Sheridan Haverkamp, welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. The principal, Dr. Amy Beck, announced that Anna Jost and Hudson Kuckelman would speak about the accomplishments of the class. Then, Drivyn Hynek introduced a video put together by the eighth grade class and technology teacher, Mrs. Betty Peterson. After the video, Piper Hiltgen introduced the commencement speaker, a near future 2025 NCHS graduate, Alayna Scism. Alayna then addressed the class about the new adventures high school has to offer and that you should “Be Yourself.”
Olivia Hermesch gave a parent tribute address, thanking the parents for their contributions and support throughout their educational journey. Shortly after this, Luke Ganstrom recognized the retiring staff members, Dr. Beck and Mrs. Peterson.
Next, Mrs. Sheridan Haverkamp presented some awards to the eighth graders. The first one was the President’s Award for Educational Achievement, in which students must have at least a 3.0 to receive. Those receiving this award were Tyson Beebe-Dishong, Tate Edelman, Drivyn Hynek, Elvis Pop Cucul, Payson Rottinghaus, Claire Sourk, Zoey Streeter, Emma Tangeman, and Kollin Wagner. The second award was the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, in which students had to have a 3.5 or higher to be recognized. Those recipients were Evelyn Ba Coc, Karla Deters, Luke Ganstrom, Alyssa Griffith, Aidan Henry, Olivia Hermesch, Piper Hiltgen, Anna Jost, Brecken Kramer, Hudson Kuckelman, Corabelle Langill, Kendrick Maley, Jayla Nolte, Lillian Smith, Kaden Sperfslage, Trent Stuke, Alyvia Sudbeck, Haelyn Wahl, Madison Ward, and Bryce Weber.
After the academic awards, the eighth grade class sponsor, Mrs. Bass, presented the American Citizenship Awards and the KSHSAA Citizenship Awards, recognizing the students’ hard work and dedication throughout the years. The KSHSAA Citizenship Awards were presented to Jayla Nolte and Kaden Sperfslage. The American Citizenship Awards were given to Anna Jost, Jayla Nolte, Madison Ward, Kaden Sperfslage, Hudson Kuckelman, and Trent Stuke.
After the awards ceremony, Mr. Tavis Desormiers, superintendent of schools, presented the class. After the class presentation, USD 115 Board Members, John Deters, Tory Jost, and Amy Sudbeck presented the diplomas to the eighth graders.
Finally, Dr. Amy Beck summed up the ceremony with some closing remarks. While the recessional music played, the class of 2029 formally exited the gym, ready to step into the next biggest milestone—high school.
Article By: Jayla Nolte
Click the links for more photos. 8th Grade Graduation, Diplomas