Class members Parker Pagel and Emma Englin delivered short speeches during the ceremony.

Special awards were presented to Keira Hammen, valedictorian, and Joslyn Thompson, salutatorian, plus various class members were honored for earning the Iowa FFA degree, being selected for the National Honor Society and being a Life Serve Blood Drive Gallon Donor.

Hammen received the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Iowa Girl Award, which honors graduating female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their high school careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletic excellence, service and leadership. This was the first time South Central Calhoun has presented this award.

In addition, 21 students were honored for earning a silver cord (achieving a grade-point average of 3.0 to 3.499), while another 21 students were honored for earning a gold cord (achieving a grade-point average of 3.50 to 4.0).

-Messenger photo by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby
Bryan Steig, of Lake City, graduated Sunday with the 2023 Class of South Central Calhoun High School. After receiving his or her diploma, each graduate also received a white rose tipped in purple, presented by Ava Finley (left), one of the junior class escorts.

During the ceremony, the class also included a memorial presentation for the family of Kaylin Blessington. In October 2021, Blessington, 16, died from injuries sustained in a car accident.

This year marks the final graduation ceremony for SCC High School Principal Randy Martin, who is retiring after a 43-year career in education.

-Messenger photo by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby
Friends, family and faculty filled the gymnasium at South Central Calhoun High School in Lake City on Sunday for the 2023 graduation ceremony. The class included 57 graduates.

-Messenger photo by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby
South Central Calhoun High School 2023 graduate Riley Batta (second from left) poses with her brothers outside the high school in Lake City following the South Central Calhoun graduation ceremony on Sunday afternoon.