Seniors graduate before a full house
Staff writer
With temperatures in the upper 80s, printed programs became fans for a lot of people as they packed Centre High School’s gymnasium Sunday for graduation ceremonies.
Centre’s 29 traditional graduates made up the school’s largest graduating since 2008 and the 65th class in Centre’s history. Their departure will leave a big hole in Centre’s high school enrollment next year.
Sixteen Kansas Online Learning Program graduates joined them in walking across the stage. At least 40 others also earned diplomas but did not attend.
History teacher and class sponsor Tim Vinduska gave the commencement address.
As a 2014 Centre graduate, he encouraged seniors to remember their past, including one big class of World History he taught in the music room during COVID.
He advised them to always be grateful, be great mentors, laugh a lot, never respond when in fear, and love others.
“Without love, we would have no future,” he said.
His voice quivered when he talked about Centre.
“I love Centre and will miss you all,” he said.
Students involved in the ceremony included the high school band and choir.
Nicholas Krch and Karsen Kroupa gave the invocation, Jenna Bittle and Alexandria Stuchlik invited guests, and Addison Makovec introduced the speaker.
Isabel Rziha, a Kansas governor’s scholar, introduced music teacher Amy Harms as her most inspirational teacher.