The Superior High School gymnasium was filled to capacity Saturday as the largest class in recent years received their diplomas. Famil and friends of the 42 graduating seniors filled the bleachers and floor seats.

The air conditioning was a boon as the outside temperature soared into the upper 80s.

The program opened with the senior class members entering the gymnasium from each side. They were escorted by Nadia McMeen, 2024 class president, and Sophia Fullerton, vice-president. Each graduating senior held a white carnation, the class flower, in their hand. The Superior High School band, under the direction of Allison White, performed the processional music of Sir Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstances in D Major, Opus 39, Number 1, the traditional music performed at graduations. There are a total of five military marches which make up the work.

The band followed with the National Anthem.

When the class was seated, Bob Cook, who was overseeing his last graduation as he is retiring after 22 years as principal, made the opening remarks.

The invocation was delivered by Sadie Rempel, a senior class member.

Cook recognized the seniors who achieved one of three levels of academic achievement by meeting certain criteria.

Those recognized for attaining cum laude with honor distinction (a 93-94 per cent cumulative grade point average) were Laci Kirchhoff, Owen Perrie, Ashton Grassman, Dereck Kirchhoff, Hailey Blecha, Chloe Butler and Aaron Allgood.

Those achieving magna cum laude with great honor distinction (95-97 per cent gpa) were Jacob Meyer, Brooklyn Grabast, Tanner Theis, Noah Butler, Cassidy Benjamin, Neah McMeen, Atlee kobza and Haley Blackstone.

Two members of the Class of 2023 achieved summa cum laude with greatest honor distinction (98-100 per cent gpa) were Sadie Rempel and Ella Gardner.

The senior musical selection was played as the seniors presented the class flower to those who play a significant role in their lives. The selection was "Iris" performed by The Goo Goo Dolls.

The senior video was displayed on the large scoreboard monitors as well as a large screen in front of the stage. The video captured highlights of the class as it progressed from kindergarten through their senior year. Marty Kobza, the out going superintendent of schools, presented the class as qualified to graduate, to the board of education.

Matt Sullivan, president of the Superior Board of Education, presented each senior with their diploma.

The graduated class then proceeded to exit the gymnasium to the song "I Ain't worried About It" performed by One Republic.

Members of the Superior High School Class of 2023 seemed to breathe a sigh of relief after each has received their high school diploma Saturday afternoon at the Superior High School gymnasium. Waiting their turn to march out of the gymnasium are (far left) James Love (front from left) Gloria Mendoza, Neah McMeen, Tova Lestander and Dereck Kirchhoff.

The 42 members of the graduated class of 2023 are Jade Aherns, Aaron Allgood, Faith Arteaga, Cristian Avalos, Xavier Bargen, Roscoe Baumbach, Cassidy Benjamin, Hailey Blecha, Chloe Butler, Noah Butler, Christopher Chavez, Jonathon Druba-Rainge, Ella Gardner, Brooklyn Grabast, Ashton Grassman, Henry Griljava, Aiden Humphries, Luke Jameson, Micah Janicek, Dereck Kirchhoff, Laci Kirchhoff Atlee Kobza, Tova Lestander, James Love, Neah McMeen, Gloria Mendoza, Jacob Meyer, Kaylee Mohler, Hayden Neeman, Braydon Pearson, Owen Perrie, Sadie Rempel, Austin Roberts, Joshua Sporhase, Tatum Streit, Tanner Theis, Grace Thompson, Elvind Uvslokk, Riedar Vier and Jocelyn Woerner.

As the class members dispersed to attend the many graduation parties around the area, they face a rapidly changing world. Their time at Superior High School will serve them well as the years pass by.