Over $1 million in scholarships awarded to SHS class of 2022

SIKESTON — Sikeston High School’s class of 2022 was awarded nearly $1.03 million in scholarships as they make plans for life after school.

Sikeston High School counselor Jason Rapert, who worked with this class their first three years in high school, wasn’t surprised by the graduates’ successes.

“The class of 2022 understandably covers a broad spectrum of academics, athletics and creativity,” Rapert said. “They have their hopes and dreams, fears and foibles, but, overall, are wonderful examples of humanity.

Jay Lape accepts his diploma from his father and former Sikeston R-6 school board member Deke Lape during the Sikeston High School Class of 2022 graduation ceremony Monday, May 23, 2022, at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)

Jay Lape accepts his diploma from his father and former Sikeston R-6 school board member Deke Lape during the Sikeston High School Class of 2022 graduation ceremony Monday, May 23, 2022, at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)

He continued: “In this group are problem solvers, artists, keen minds and pragmatists who are not afraid to get their hands dirty. Some may not yet believe in themselves, but I know they can get there. We have leaders in this class that give me hope for the future, and I can’t wait to see how far they go.”

SHS senior counselor Kim Thornbrough agreed the class of 2022 is a special one.

“This class will be attending over 35 different colleges/universities/technical programs across the United States,” Thornbrough said, noting that is more than usual in a graduating class.

A few of those SHS graduates and their different higher education choices include: CJ Posey, United States Military Academy West Point; Jay Lape, DuPaul University; Mackenzie Conway, Oklahoma State University; Noah Mason, Lee University; Griffin Hancock, Freed Hardeman University; Karris Allen, Western Kentucky University; Carson James, Southern Missouri Trucking Driving School; and Camryn Self, Belmont University.

Southeast Missouri State University, Three Rivers College, Murray State University, Arkansas State University, University of Missouri remain among the most popular college choices among the graduates, Thornbrough said.

Also, five members of the class of 2022 graduated with degrees from Three Rivers College in Sikeston through the College Now Program, Thornbrough said.

“This is the first year for students who were in the College Now Program to graduate,” Thornbrough said. “This program is an early-entrance-to-college program located on the campus of Three Rivers College in Sikeston.”

Students attend the program for two years, replacing the junior and senior years of traditional high school, Thornbrough said. While in the program, students are enrolled in a curriculum consisting of all-college coursework taught by professors at Three Rivers, she said.

Upon successful completion, students may earn an Associate of Arts as well as a high school diploma. Once admitted into the program, the students were able to choose the program they wanted to work toward, she said.

“This year we have five students earning some type of degree,” Thornbrough said.

College Now students and their degrees include: Eunique N. Bland, General Education Certificate; Kenlea R. Cochran, Associate of Science, Health Science; Ryan R. Richards, Associate of Arts, General Education Certificate; Sydni N. Taylor, Associate of Arts, Psychology; and Emma R. Thompson, Associate of Science, Health Science.