Class of 2017 Graduates from PHS
by McKeilie Ziehmer
The Pierce High School class of 2017 received their diplomas on Saturday, May 13, at 2:00 p.m. This year’s class had two salutatorians, Bryce Bierman and Derek Ross. The class valedictorian was Shianna Oestreich. The president of the 2017 class was Junior Aguilar, the vice president was Breane Hoffman, and the secretary was Derek Ross.
The ceremony began with the processional of the seniors with the High School Band directed by Mike Sindt. Following that, class president Junior Aguilar welcomed the audience to the ceremony. He also presented the class t-shirts to Ms. LuAnn Prahl, Mrs. Brenda Fleecs, and Mr. Tom Edmisten. The Pierce High School choir, directed by Terri Haselhorst, sang their vocal selection.
Principal Mark Brahmer then presented academic letter winners and Honor Graduates. Recipients of academic letters were: Junior Aguilar, Bryce Bierman, Ethen Kuether, Dillon Lubischer, Shianna Oestreich, Derek Ross, Emily Simmons, and Hailey Wieting. The Honor Graduates of the class were: Shianna Oestreich, Bryce Bierman, Derek Ross, Emily Simmons, Hailey Wieting, Ethen Kuether, Junior Aguilar, Breane Hoffmann, Dillon Lubischer. The following students received presidential awards: Shianna Oestreich, Bryce Bierman, Derek Ross, Emily Simmons, Ethen Kuether, Hailey Wieting, Junior Aguilar, Breane Hoffman, Dillon Lubischer, Garrett Longe, Krystina Schuett, and Caleb Sullivan. Haley Race, Shianna Oestreich, and Dillon Lubischer all received a scholar-athlete award. The salutatorians and valedictorian then gave their speeches. Following that, guidance counselor Mary Birch presented the scholarships and awards. Kendall Steffensen, superintendent, then presented the class followed by Board of Education President Ted Krienke presenting the diplomas. The ceremony ended with the recessional by the Pierce High School band under the direction of Mr. Mike Sindt.
The class chose the motto by Dr. Seuss: “Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!” Their class flower was a Blue Tiger lily, their class colors were Royal Blue and White, and their class sponsor was Mr. Tom Edmisten.
