Hot Springs honors grads

Friends and family gathered on a rainy Sunday afternoon in Hot Springs to celebrate the graduating class of 2023. Eight students donned their cap and gown to celebrate the momentous day.

This year's salutatory address was given by Sydney Viegut who began by giving a special thanks to the parents who raised her and her fellow classmates. Viegut also made sure to mention her teachers. "I'd also like to especially thank the teachers who had to handle us for all these years," she said. Viegut welcomed the 2023 class valedictorian, Josie Uski, to the podium.

Uski spoke of the many fond memories she had looking back through her senior year, from Friday nights to funny pranks played during the school day and winning games she will always remember. "We may not have always got along but I could always count on you to be there," she said. The valedictorian ended her speech with hope for everyone's future. "As we move into the next chapter of our lives, I have faith we will go on and do great things," she said.

The graduating class chose agriculture and woods teacher, Justin Wright, as this year's guest speaker. Wright began his address to the students with a laugh. "This is my favorite graduation class of this year," he said. Wright spoke passionately about the bond she shared with the eight students, addressing them each individually and passing on a few words of wisdom. The speaker ended his speech by telling the students and the gym full of family and friends how honored he felt to watch the class grow over the years.

After the students received their diplomas, principal Byron Woods presented the Hot Springs graduating class of 2023 and invited Lily DeTienne up to the podium. After a final few words of thanks and encouragement, DeTienne led her fellow classmates as they tossed their caps in the air, finalizing the end of their high school career.