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Congratulations WHS Class of 2013!

May 12, 2013

Congratulations to the Wahoo High School Class of 2013. This year's senior class celebrated its final day of school on Wednesday, May 8. Graduation was celebrated on Sunday, May 12, at 1:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

Forty-two percent of this year's graduates plan to attend a four-year college or university, 33 percent plan to attend a two-year college, two percent will attend a tech or trade school, five percent will enter into military service, and 17 percent are undecided or will enter the work force.

Fifty-three (53.7%) percent of the seniors reported they were offered a scholarship and/or grant for a total amount of over $1.3 million ($1,319,492) in award monies this year, but will accept the use of about $648,240. Of these totals, $42,706 came from local scholarships and $149,580 came from grants. (It is common for students to continue to receive scholarship awards through July.)

Class Song: Every Mile a Memory by Dierks Bentley

Class Colors: Black and Silver

Class Flower: Yellow Rose

Class Motto:

"The world's not ending; we're just taking over." --Anonymous

Members of the Class of 2013:

(* = National Honor Society, § = Academic Honor Graduate)

* Jonathan Louis Abbott
Veronica Lynn Adden
Jordan Leigh Baade
*§ Darcy Renae Barry
Dylan Jacob Bennett
Nicki Marie Burge
*§ Darian Nicole Coffey
Joshua Caleb Dewberry
Gabriella Ruth Discher
Jaymie Michelle Dorer
*§ Payten Shadow Foster
Peng Yu "Dylan" Fu
Mikayla Marie Gall
Samantha Jo Grandgenett
* Ashlen Alexandria Groff
Zackary Jon Gropp
Derek Christopher Hamar
*§ Patrick William Hancock
Caroline Paige Hohl
*§ Alicia Kaitlin Iversen
Dylan Robert Jaskulski
Michael James Jonas
Courtney Nicole Jones
Ty Matthew Kander
Tyler Lee Kavan
Noah Jacob Kellner
Danielle Marie Lindgren
Sesly Nicole Lorincz
Meriah Lyn Lyon
Quinn Lawrence McGill
Paige Logan Meyer
Jeffrey Duncan Mitchell
Kimberly Kayla Mitchell
Jacob Dean Moline
Paris Akio Mood
Parker Cade Nicholls
Rod Alois Patocka
Megan Renee Peters
Jessica Lynnlee Pope
* Preston Mark Raymond
Nicholas Patrick Russell
*§ Lindsey Rae Sabatka
Andrew Mark Schwimmer
Samantha Joy Sellke
Jason William Semrad
*§ Brook James Stuart
*§ Morgan Alexis Talbert
*§ Alexander Mark Talbott
Brent Jackson Urban
Christina Anne Vech
Christopher David Wesely
Javontae Shaquille Williams
Jacob Patrick Wilson
Gadreal Penny Margaret Zeleny
Kyle Edward Zeleny

Senior Plans:

*Jonathan Louis Abbott, son of Michelle & Shawn Abbott, applied to Briar Cliff University where he received an Academic Excellence Scholarship, Athletic Scholarship for Football and St. Francis Scholarship, and Morningside University where he was offered an Academic Scholarship and an Athletic Scholarship for Basketball. Jonathan plans to attend Morningside and major in Accounting.

Veronica Lynn Adden, daughter of Sherry Black, plans to attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln where she will pursue a degree in Culinary Arts. Veronica received a Southeast Community College Learn to Dream Scholarship.

Jordan Leigh Baade, daughter of Aimee Baade and Dan Cradick, plans to work at Makovicka/Sylliassen Physical Therapy while attending Southeast Community College in Lincoln where she will pursue a degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. Jordan received a Wahoo First United Methodist Church Scholarship and a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship.

*Darcy Renae Barry, daughter of Deb & Mike Barry, plans to attend Midland University where she received a Presidential Scholarship. Darcy plans to play volleyball and major in Biology at Midland, then attend a medical school to pursue a degree Pharmacy. Darcy was awarded a Runza Student of the Week Scholarship, the Rachel L. (Simon) Dixon Memorial Scholarship and a “$1000 scholarship given by Ken Hanke in memory of Grace Hanke.”

Dylan Jacob Bennett, son of Heather & Robert Malina, applied to Midland University and WyoTech. Dylan is undecided as to whether he will pursue a degree in American History and Education at Midland, or Diesel Technology at WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming.

Nicki Marie Burge, daughter of Theresa & Arland Burge, plans to continue working at Wal-Mart in Omaha for a year, then decide on a post-graduate program of study to pursue.

*Darian Nicole Coffey, daughter of Tami & Todd Coffey, enrolled at Concordia University where she received a Regent’s Scholarship, Hagan Foundation Scholarship, Concordia Lutheran Grant and Dance Scholarship. Darian plans to attend Concordia one year to participate on the Concordia’s Dance Team, then transfer to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she will pursue a degree in Family and Consumer Science. Darian received the Wahoo Senior Citizen’s Center Scholarship.

Joshua Caleb Dewberry, son of Belynda Cantrell and Dewayne Dewberry, applied to Midland University where he was offered a MU Campus Visit Grant and Performing Arts Scholarship, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Josh plans to attend Midland University where he will study Theatre and Acting. Josh received a Patricia Starr Music Scholarship.

Gabriella Ruth Discher, daughter of Holly & Tim Discher, plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she will major in Interior Design and minor in Dance.

Jaymie Michelle Dorer, daughter of Jill & John Morgan, will resume her post-graduate education through the WHS Transitions Program and work full time at Region V.

*Payten Shadow Foster, daughter of Tanna & Sam Foster, plans to major in Elementary Education at Wayne State College and complete her Bachelor’s degree in three years. Payten received the Saunders County Independent Bankers Association Scholarship, Wahoo Education Association Scholarship and a Wahoo Student Council Scholarship.

Peng Yu “Dylan” Fu, son of Jyhua Deng & JinSheng Fu from XinYu City, Jiangxi Province, the People’s Republic of China, and host mother, Diane Adolphson, wishes to enroll at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln after completing his Student Exchange Program at Wahoo High School. He plans to major in Engineering or Business.

Mikayla Marie Gall, daughter of Carmen Josephson and Chris Gall, applied to Metropolitan Community College and Southeast Community College in Lincoln, where she was offered a SCC Educational Foundation Scholarship and a SCC Learn to Dream Scholarship. Mikayla plans to attend Metro then transfer to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she will pursue studies in Business Administration with a major in Human Resource Management.

Samantha Jo Grandgenett, daughter of Vicki Grandgenett and Al Grandgenett, plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she will complete General Studies. Samantha received a “$1000 scholarship given by Ken Hanke in memory of Grace Hanke.”

*Ashlen Alexandria Groff, daughter of Amy & Dennis Groff, applied to Midland University, where she received a MU Campus Visit Grant, MU Grant and Scholar Performer Scholarship, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she was offered a Susan Thompson Buffett Scholarship. Ashlen plans to attend Midland University where she was also awarded the Daniel F. Pestal Memorial Scholarship.

Zackary Jon Gropp, son of Cassy & Jon Gropp, plans to attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln for two years as part of the Academic Transfer Program, then enroll at either the University of Nebraska at Lincoln or the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he will complete a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Mathematics and Education. Zack plans to become a math teacher.

Derek Christopher Hamar, son of Valorie & Charles Hamar, applied to Grace University, Midland University, Nebraska Christian College and Southeast Community College. Derek will attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln where he enrolled in the Academic Transfer Program. After earning his Associate’s Degree, he plans to transfer to a four-year college where he will complete a Master’s in Divinity for Pastoral Ministries with a focus on Youth Ministry.

Patrick William Hancock, son of Kathy & Patrick Hancock, applied to Midland University, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he received a James Canfield Scholar Award and University Bookstore Award, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Wayne State College. Patrick plans to attend Wayne State College where he will pursue a major in Secondary Education with emphases in Science and Spanish. Patrick received a Patricia Starr Music Scholarship and Wahoo Student Council Scholarship. (5.10.13 Note: received the Emil B. Eliason Scholarship)

Caroline Paige Hohl, daughter of Debra & Greg Hohl, plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she will major in Business Management and minor in Marketing.

*Alicia Kaitlin Iversen, daughter of Lora & Jayson Iversen, applied to Benedictine College, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she was offered a Chancellor Award. Alicia plans to attend UNL or UNO where she will pursue a degree for Physician’s Assistant. She was awarded a Midland University 2012 Pinnacle Bank Outstanding Leader’s Scholarship.

Dylan Robert Jaskulski, son of Lisa & Mike Jaskulski, applied to Briar Cliff University and Southeast Community College. Dylan plans to attend Southeast Community College at Milford where he will pursue a degree in Diesel Mechanics.

Michael James Jonas, son of Esther & Jim Jonas, plans to attend Southeast Community College in Milford where he will pursue studies in Automotive Technology AAS. Michael was awarded a Camp Creek Antique Machinery & Threshing Association Scholarship, a “$1000 scholarship given by Ken Hanke in memory of Grace Hanke,” and the Mark Massie Memorial Scholarship.

Courtney Nicole Jones, daughter of Tina & Chris Jones, applied to Buena Vista University where she was offered an Outstanding Academic Award; Doane College, where she received an Outstanding Academic Award, Athletic Training Scholarship and Athletic Award, and Southeast Community College in Beatrice. Courtney plans to attend SCC-Beatrice for a degree in Licensed Practical Nursing, then transfer to a four-year college to complete a Registered Nursing degree. Courtney received a Southeast Community College Educational Foundation Scholarship and a SCC Learn to Dream Scholarship, a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship, the Willard Hunzeker – Wahoo Lions Club Scholarship and a Wahoo Student Council Scholarship. Courtney also received the Susan Thompson Buffett Scholarship.

Ty Matthew Kander, son of Julie & Mike Jirovsky, plans to work two jobs this summer then enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Tyler Lee Kavan, son of Peggy Kavan, applied to Briar Cliff University and Morningside University where he received an Athletic Scholarship for Football. Tyler enrolled at Morningside and plans to play football and pursue a degree in Animal Science.

Noah Jacob Kellner, son of Sherry & Anthony Kellner, enrolled at Southeast Community College in Milford where he will pursue studies in Diesel Ag Equipment Service Technology. Noah received the Ed Koutny Memorial Scholarship, a Saunders County Livestock Association Scholarship and the Mark A. Swanson Memorial Scholarship.

Danielle Marie Lindgren, daughter of Suzanne & Norman Lindgren, wishes to pursue a career as a singer, but plans to enlist in the military later this summer.

Sesly Nicole Lorincz, daughter of Tanya & Jody Lorincz, enlisted in the Nebraska Army Guard last summer and is an Aviation Operations Specialist. She will enter the Simultaneous Membership Program, which allows her to serve in the Guard while at the same time attend Army ROTC. She was accepted into the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Honors Program and will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aviation – Professional Flight. Upon graduating from college, she will be commissioned as an officer through the Army ROTC program and attend Flight School to fly helicopters.

Meriah Lyn Lyon, daughter of Buffy Baker, plans to enroll in Job Corps where she will pursue studies in either auto mechanics or animal care.

Quinn Laurence McGill, son of Alison & Mark McGill, applied to Bellevue University where he was offered a Baseball Scholarship, Missouri Western University where he was offered a Baseball Scholarship, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he was offered a Susan Thompson Buffett Scholarship and Baseball Scholarship, Wayne State College where he was offered a Baseball Scholarship. Quinn plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and play baseball. He intends to major in Education with emphases in Mathematics and Coaching.

Paige Logan Meyer, daughter of Tracy & Mark Meyer, plans to attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln where she will pursue studies in Early Childhood Development. Paige received a Wahoo First United Methodist Church Scholarship.

Jeffrey Duncan Mitchell, son of Deb & Richard Mitchell, will complete a certificated program for Small Engine Repair through Southeast Community College in Lincoln. With his dad, he plans open a lawn mowing service and work in the community.

Kimberly Kayla Mitchell, daughter of Deb & Richard Mitchell, has been volunteering at Green Acre Animal Clinic this spring and plans to pursue a job where she can work with animals and provide animal care.

Jacob Dean Moline, son of Traci & Craig Moline, plans to attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln then transfer to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln to complete a degree in Agriculture.

Paris Akio Mood, son of Louise Ewers and Travis Mood, plans to enroll at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he will pursue a degree in Architecture.

Parker Cade Nicholls, son of Annika Nicholls and Mike Nicholls, plans to attend Wayne State College where he will pursue a double major in Spanish and Education.

Rod Alois Patocka, son of Ann Schilke and Rodney Patocka, applied to Southeast Community College in Lincoln, where he received a SCC Learn to Dream Scholarship. Rod plans to pursue a degree at SCC-Lincoln for Auto Technology.

Megan Renee Peters, daughter of Kelly Macmillan and Howard Peters, applied to Bellevue University, the College of Hair Design and Southeast Community College where she was offered a SCC Educational Foundation Scholarship and a Learn to Dream Scholarship sponsored by Southeast Community College and the Wahoo Scholarship Partners, Donors: Larry Dean Cejka Memorial, Wahoo Lions Club and Wahoo Kiwanis Club. Megan plans to enroll at Bellevue University where she will pursue a double major in Psychology and Pre-Law.

Jessica Lynnlee Pope, daughter of Susan & Kevin Pope, plans to volunteer in the Wahoo Community and acquire Job Training.

*Preston Mark Raymond, son of Nan & Mark Raymond, applied to Briar Cliff University, where he was offered an Academic Scholarship and Athletic Scholarship for Football, McCook Community College and Southeast Community College at Lincoln. He is undecided as to his post-graduate plans. Preston received a Wahoo First United Methodist Church Scholarship.

Nicolas Patrick Russell, son of Laura & Russ Flessner, plans to work at Collins Construction while attending Southeast Community College in Lincoln. Nick plans to pursue studies in Business Management.

*Lindsey Rae Sabatka, daughter of Nanette & Don Sabatka, plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she will major in Animal Science. Lindsey received a Saunders County Farm Bureau Scholarship, Saunders County Livestock Association Scholarship, Steven Smith Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship, Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship, the Wahoo Area Kiwanis Club Scholarship, and a Wahoo Student Council Scholarship.

Andrew Mark Schwimmer, son of Beth & Terry Schwimmer, auditioned for The Young Americans College of Performing Arts and was accepted into the program. Andrew will participate in the college’s National and International Music Outreach Tour Training Program for up to two years, then transfer to Midland University where he will complete a degree in Elementary Music Education with an emphasis in Vocal Music.

Samantha Joy Sellke, daughter of Lori & Ron Sellke, enlisted in the U.S. Army. After Basic Combat Training in South Carolina, she will go to Virginia for Advanced Individual Training School for job training as a Cargo Specialist.

Jason William Semrad, son of Cherry Semrad and Brad Semrad, applied to Southeast Community College in Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Jason plans to attend UNL where he will major in Criminal Justice. He plans to pursue a career with the Nebraska State Highway Patrol.

*Brook James Stuart, son of Kim & Kurt Stuart, applied to Briar Cliff University where he was offered an Academic Scholarship, Athletic Scholarship for Baseball, and a St. Francis Scholarship, Midland University where he was offered a Dean’s Scholarship, Morningside University where he was offered an Dean Scholarship, Achievement Scholarship and an Athletic Grant for Baseball, and to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Brook received the Ron and Tim Larsen Memorial Scholarship. Brook plans to attend Morningside where he will pursue a major in Business.

*Morgan Alexis Talbert, daughter of Sarah and Mark Talbert, plans to attend Wayne State College where she will pursue a degree in Occupational Therapy. Morgan received the Michael Shada Memorial Scholarship, a Wahoo First United Methodist Church Scholarship and a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship. She was also awarded a Midland University 2012 Pinnacle Bank Outstanding Leaders Scholarship.

*Alexander Mark Talbott, son of Susan Dinsmore-Talbott & Kevin Talbott, applied to California Polytechnic State University where he was offered a freshman Outreach Scholarship, Iowa State University, where he was offered a Midwest Exchange Program Award and invited into the Honors Program, and Oregon State University, where he was offered a Provost Scholarship. Alex plans to major in Industrial Engineering at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Alex received the Kyle Elliott “Flik” and Chris Roberts Memorial Scholarship.

Brent Jackson Urban, son of Julie & Mark Urban, applied to Northwest Missouri State University where he was offered an Academic Excellence Scholarship, Bearcat Advantage Scholarship and a Midwest Student Exchange Program Award, and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Brent plans to attend Northwest Missouri State for pre-Engineering, then transfer to another university, where he will complete a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Brent also received a Wahoo Student Council Scholarship.

Christina Anne Vech, daughter of Susan Vech and David Vech, plans to attend Southeast Community College at Lincoln, where she will pursue a degree in Business Marketing. Chrisi was offered a SCC Educational Foundation Scholarship.

Christopher David Wesely, son of Rita and Dave Wesely, plans to move to Omaha and work in a Vocational Training Center.

Javontae Shaquille Williams, son of Renee Moize, plans to work for a year then attend college. Javontae is interested in pursuing studies in Music Performance.

Jacob Patrick Wilson, son of Robert Wilson, plans to attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln and major in Business. He received a Southeast Community College Learn to Dream Scholarship.

Gadreal Penny Margaret Zeleny, daughter of Candy & Tom Zeleny, plans to enroll at Southeast Community College in Lincoln, where she will pursue studies in Child Development.

Kyle Edward Zeleny, son of Mary Lawver and Leonard Zeleny, applied to Metropolitan Community College. He plans to enroll at Metro’s – Fort Omaha Campus’s and pursue a degree in Culinary Arts and Management. Kyle plans to become a Chef and open his own restaurant.

* denotes National Honor Society