Centre graduates 11
Staff writer
Members of one of the smallest graduating classes in recent years at Centre High School walked across the stage Sunday to receive diplomas.
At least eight of 56 Kansas Online Learning Program graduates joined them.
Instead of a band playing “Pomp and Circumstance,” it was performed by teacher Phil Duerksen on the violin, accompanied by junior Anna Godinez Vinduska on the piano.
Senior Daniel Rziha gave an invocation, and Kaitlynn Bina and Olivia Carlson welcomed visitors. After a high school choir sang the national anthem, the crowd sustained a moment of silence in memory of Duwayne Moenning, who would have graduated with the class of ‘25 but was killed in a vehicle accident in 2023.
Superintendent Larry Geist gave an address about faith — faith in God, faith in others, and faith in oneself. The one thing he hoped graduates would remember was to “keep the faith.”
Kansas honor scholar Johnathon Garr selected Angela Basore as his most inspirational teacher.
As seniors received diplomas, board president Eric Carlson had a special hug for his daughter, Olivia, and class sponsor Wayne Rziha had the same for his son, Daniel.
As one online graduate walked across the stage, a little boy in the audience elicited smiles when he yelled, “That’s my mom.”
The graduates formed a reception line outside after the ceremony to receive congratulations from relatives and friends.