May 16, 2023
Sikeston High School’s class of 2023 graduates
SIKESTON — Approximately 225 Sikeston High School and New Horizons High School graduates received diplomas during the 122nd annual commencement exercises Monday, May 15 at the Sikeston Field House. “This group did not put limits on themselves,” SHS College Adviser Taneshia Pulley said of the class of 2023. “They knew they could rise above any challenge and go out there and get it. They knew that it belonged to them so they went and worked extremely hard to get what’s already theirs...
By Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat
SIKESTON — Approximately 225 Sikeston High School and New Horizons High School graduates received diplomas during the 122nd annual commencement exercises Monday, May 15 at the Sikeston Field House.
“This group did not put limits on themselves,” SHS College Adviser Taneshia Pulley said of the class of 2023. “They knew they could rise above any challenge and go out there and get it. They knew that it belonged to them so they went and worked extremely hard to get what’s already theirs."
SHS Counselor Heather Self agreed.
“This group is unique and they’re driven,” Self said. “They didn’t stop until they were satisfied enough for themselves.”
Plus, they’re caring, Self said.
“They crossed any lines to care about each other,” Self said. “They’re super creative. They’re hard workers. They turned into this group who sought their own paths.”
Members of SHS’ class of 2023 generated over $3 million in scholarships, according to Pulley. Over 100 students who received local scholarships, she said.
Sixty-one percent of the graduates have been accepted into a four-year or two year school, Pullen said.
College choices include Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, University of Missouri-Columbia, Southeast Missouri State University and Three Rivers College.
Seven graduates will join the military including the Army, Navy and National Guard. Technical schools, welding institute, cosmetology school and apprenticeships are also part of the class’ career paths.
“They wanted to make a difference. They wanted to be good role models. They took school very seriously. They saw that school was their opportunity for their future,” Self said.
Leading the class in academics were Lilly Hodgkiss as valedictorian and Kharis Andrews as salutatorian.
Hodgkiss, who is the daughter of Chris and Jennifer Hodgkiss, has served as the ASTRA President, National Honors Society vice president, FBLA treasurer, co-editor of the Bulldog Barker, Student Council, Red Peppers, Link Crew, Key Club, Inspired Presenters, FCA Student Leader, Junior American Legion Auxiliary member and youth group.
Andrews is the daughter of Sharaye and Lavel Gilmore. Her activities include College Now program, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council (social committee chair and study body recording secretary), A+ tutoring, Students Observe Area Resources, National Honor Society, Link Crew, Inspired Presenters, FBLA, Bleacher Bums and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society through Three Rivers College.
On Monday evening, presiding senior class president Belinda Minner presented the speakers for the ceremony.
Deonna Drury read the senior poem, “Through the Years,” which she wrote.
“Twelve long years, we’re finally here!,” Drury said. “Looking back at it now, we all deserve a bow. Long days of school, and following rules How far we’ve come, but to bigger things we run. Oh how fun, how are we already done?”
Drury reminded her classmates of the milestones they’ve shared through the past 12 years and the long journey they’ve persevered through.
“We are the class that let the good times roll and the hard times pass. We are the class of 2023,” she said.
Selected speakers Timothy Do and Hodgkiss each gave their speeches.
In his speech, “Great Things Never Come from Comfort Zones,” Do, who came to Sikeston last year as an exchange student from South Korea, shared his story which was full of challenges but also rewards from moving out of his comfort zone.
“Great things never come from comfort zones,” Do said. “I lived in my comfort zone my entire life.”
Of course, there were ups and downs but his life was effort-free.
Becomign an exchange student was big challenge for me,” Do said. “I had to leave my best friends and family for the first time and I had live with a family that I’d never met. And I had to adapt to American high school without knowing anyone at first.”
It was an unstable and fearful decision, but if he’d never come out of his comfort zone, he wouldn’t have experienced the good he has since coming to Sikeston.
“Stand out of your comfort zone, especailly for seniors,” Do said. “The whole new world is coming out to you. You will meet many new people and sometimes unexpected challenges might trouble you but please remember: Those challenges indeed make you a stronger person.”
Do, who will return to South Korea soon, plans to go to college and major in international business.
“Sikeston, I will miss you,” Do said. “Time flies and I’m about to leave this town. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me so far. So come visit Korea one day. I will guide you and show you every great thing. Thank you.”
Hodgkiss then gave her speech, “This is Us.”
High School Principal Dr. Doyle Noe, who was introduced by Kierra Jones, announced honors and awards of graduates.
Superintendent Shannon Holifield, who was introduced by Zoie McDonald, presented the class while Board of Education President Matt Drake, who was introduced by Connor Lawrence, handed out diplomas. High School Academic Principal Katie Henry and New Horizons High School Principal Brian James also helped announce graduates as they received diplomas.
As the graduates received their diplomas, their feelings were of excitement.
Justis Taylor said he was glad to be graduating.
“My 12 years of hard work have paid off immensely,” he said. “And I’m just so proud of myself. I give a lot of thanks to my family and the school as well because they poured a lot of greatness into me, and I think they’ve created a great leader.”
Taylor plans to attend Mizzou where he will major in international business and minor in sales. He’s also part of the Honors College there. Taylor and fellow SHS 2023 grad Blair Durham are also on the University of Missouri Cheer Team for 2023-24.
“I’m super-excited about graduation,” Drury said. “I’m glad its here but on the hand, my mom (Dennette Mills) passed away last year so I wish she could be here.”
Drury plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University and major in elementary education.
Zoie McDonald said her week was filled with mixed emotions.
“I’ve been a messy wreck this week,” the new graduate said. “I’m excited. It really is a bittersweet time.
She plans to attend the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where she will major in biology with the goal of entering the dental field and becoming an endodontist.
“I’m most excited to give my speech and be with my classmates for one last time,” Hodgkiss said prior to the commencement.
After graduation, Hodgkiss plans to attend Missippi State University to major in accounting and finance. Hodgkiss said she will miss seing her mom, Jennifer Hodgkiss, who teaches at the high school school.
“I’ll miss being at a place where there’s has a lot of traditions but luckly Missisipp State also has a lot of traditions,” Hodgkiss said.
If there was one thing the class valedictorian wanted her peers to leave with on Monday night, Hodgkiss said it was this: “We are resilient and intelligent individuals who can do anything that we set our minds to.”
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