News : Vinton Shellsburg Class of 2025

Addy Phippen spoke to the Class of 2025 at Sunday's Graduation

Brennen Still a member of the Class of 2025, while gone, he's not forgotten.

Vinton-Shellsburg High School Gym was a place of celebration on Sunday for the Class of 2025. The  high school band played "Pomp and Circumstance: as the graduates filed in. There was a common theme. As they began their walk down the aisle, each graduate scanned the crowd looking for the ones that brought them to this place. As soon as their eyes connected, a smile would break out across the face of the one in the cap and gown. 

High School Principal, Matt Kingsbury opened the ceremony with a few words recognizing the senior class followed by a song performed by the VS High School Chamber Choir entitled, "Little Voice."  Superintendent Kyle Koeppen spoke next to the class. He shared that when he started at VSCSD, the class was in 8th Grade. He said as part of his speech, "Do your best until you know better, and when you know better, do better. Keep learning and growing and always strive to be better, not only for yourself but for those around you." 

Tom Burke, President of the School Board spoke next on behalf of the School Board. Addressing the graduates, he encouraged the graduates to "Keep your head up and always look where you want to go. Whatever career path you choose, give it everything you've got, follow your passion." He went on to say, "You have two hands. One for helping yourself and one for helping others."

The student speaker at this year's graduation was Addy Phippen. She addressed the crowd and followed with a greeting, "Hi Mom, surprise!" She then thanked her parents for the part they had played in her life and for their support. She said the word "success" kept coming to mind as she prepared to speak. She said that success can be in figuring things out or in creating something with their hands. For some, she said, it could be in sports. Others she went on to say might find it in music for others in art. "Whatever that gift may be, big or small, it's real and it matters." 

She cited the pandemic that affected the class in 7th grade. She also mentioned a member of the class that wasn't there, Brennen Still. still passed away when the class was in the 8th grade. The class wore a button in his memory and as a reminder to cherish every moment that they are given. She said that Brennen will always be part of their class, their story and the people that they've become.

Faculty Speaker James Offner, Language Arts and journalism teacher spoke next. He remembered the birthday party they had thrown for him for his "35th birthday." He said that the class has already shown that they lead with empathy, caring and hard work and that they have made Vinton Shellsburg a better place. He encouraged them to do that for the world.

To the Class of 2025, as you left the doors yesterday, know that we are all pulling for you and wish you the very best in your journey through life. We can't see what you will accomplish!

Photos of the graduates can be seen here.

If you missed or were unable to attend the ceremony, check it out here!