Despite threatening weather, the 2013 Peabody-Burns Senior class graduated Sunday afternoon in the Brown Gymnasium. At 4 p.m., the PBHS band played “Marche Pontificale”. Commencement Exercises opened with USD 398 staff processional followed by the 23 members of the 2013 graduating class entering to “Fanfare and Processional”.
High School principal Tim Robertson welcomed the class, staff and visitors. The Warrior Band under the direction of Band Director Steve Wilson entertained with the selection “Homeward Bound”.
Brandee Burnett and Zachary Preheim were named the recipients of the KSHSAA Citizenship Awards. Seth Topham was presented the Dale Dennis Excellence Award.
Robertson introduced State Board of Regents Curriculum Completers Rayna Barnes, McKenzie Ensminger, Hunter Pickens and Austin Savage. Kansas State Scholars Brandee Burnett, Jamie Henry, Zachary Preheim and Seth Topham were recognized also by Robertson.
2013 class salutatorian Austin Savage and 2013 class valedictorians Brandee Burnett, Jamie Henry, Zachary Preheim and Seth Topham were introduced. Each addressed the group with a short message.
Vernon Klingenberg announced Alumni Association award winners. The Trimble Award was given to Brandee Burnett and Jamie Henry. Austin Savage and Seth Topham were presented the Eberle Awards. Rayna Barnes received the Alumni Association Award. Hunter Pickens received the Vernon and Laura Slocombe Award and Joe Partridge was given the Ralph and Una Ewert Award. McKenzie Ensminger was named the winner of the Edna Ewert Award. M. Josephine McCreary Awards were given to Paige Lewis, Zachary Preheim and Ashley Weems.
Robertson returned to the podium to present the Class of 1955 Award to Rayna Barnes. The Burns Lions Club Award went to Jamie Henry. Joe Partridge and Lucas Larsen were presented the Robert E. Phillips. Jr. Award and the American Legion Post 366 Award went to Lucas Larsen. A special book presentation was given to Christian Gard.
Preston Hodges awarded the Alumni Dance Award to Lucas Larsen and the Sons of the American Legion-George Holm Memorial Award to Brandee Burnett.
Board of Education President Terrill Eberhard presented several USD 398 Scholarships that included the Barrett/Burdorf/Hart/Jensen Award to Jamie Henry; the Masonic/Farr Award to Rayna Barnes; the Fitch Award to Seth Topham; Litton/Kliewer Awards to Ashley Weems, Broderick Kyle and Zach Goodwin.
Annette Weems presented FFA Alumni Awards to Lucas Larsen and Ashley Weems.
During a special music selection “I Hope You Dance” performed by PBHS vocal music group Voices, members of the 2013 graduating class presented flowers to family and friends.
Robertson presented the graduating class of 2013. Superintendent Ron Traxson accepted the Class of 2013. President Eberhard and board member Julia Ensminger presented diplomas.
Following the traditional moving of the tassel ceremony, Robertson initiated a silly string fight with the graduates.
PBHS Warrior band performed “Fanfare and Recessional” as the graduates exited the gym.