Red Devil Ready:DCHS WeeKly Message

Week 36: Ladies and Gentlemen, I Give You the Class of 2025

Decatur County Community High School

605 E Commercial St, Oberlin, KS 67749

May 11, 2025 (Schedule at the bottom, Skip What You Want)

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Senior parents,

This week is primarily for you. This week, I am one of you, and I have always taken this final opportunity to reflect on both parenthood and the life of a student. I want to simply focus on some numbers, numbers that look large on paper and at one time probably seemed like an eternity. Each of these numbers started at 1, and they began in August of 2012, as your student was about to start kindergarten.

2,262

One August long ago, you said goodnight to your young child knowing that tomorrow was their first day of school. I have experienced that emotion personally, and I know how exciting and terrifying that first day and the night's sleep before the first day of my child's school life were for me. Will they make friends? Will they be sad? Will someone love them as much as I do? Over the course of your child's public education career, there are approximately 2,262 opportunities that you would have had to say said goodnight to your student going to school the next day.

16,965

There are approximately 16,965 hours that your student was in school. Those first few on that first day probably seemed to last an eternity, but eventually, they became regular old hours, many of them even wished away. It must have felt like there was still so much time left. What would we parents give to be able to go back relive a few of those hours? My son is my last one at home, and I would sure love to keep adding years that he would still be here.

1,017,900 & 61,074,000

The first number is approximately how many minutes and the second is how many seconds your child spent at school. These numbers (in the millions) seem like forever. Give me those numbers and I feel I have all the time in the world, and many years, months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds to enjoy parenthood.

4

2,262 is now down to 4. Perhaps you are reading this tonight , perhaps tomorrow, but as I write this final message of the year, there are 4 last "goodnights" before sending your child to school, 4 last "goodnights" left of childhood, for isn't the end of high school the ultimate celebration of truly becoming an adult?

Senior parents, I know that many of you would tell me that 61,074,000 is a number that can actually fly by. I thank each and every one of you for being a part of the community and for choosing DCHS as the place where your kids would spend that deceptively swift 61,074,000 seconds.

SHOUTOUTS

There are going to be a lot of things that get missed on this end of the year shoutout section, as I usually unload quite a few after Graduation, but here we go.

Shoutout to the Class of 2025. I couldn't have asked for a better group to finish with. You were leaders, involved, studious, and fun. I will forever remember waking up to my final senior class as a principal camped out in tents in my front yard!

Shoutout to all of the parents and guardians that helped us get to this point. By the time a student has reached their Graduation, there are a long list of adults that are a part of that final moment, none more important than the people that were there with them at home, supporting them in every aspect of life.

Shoutout to Carrie Morford and the Booster Club and everyone else that shared their gratitude with my staff. This past week was Teacher Appreciation week. Every day this week, Carrie was in the office before school putting something together for our teachers. Her son graduated two years ago, but she is still going strong. We are very grateful for everything she coordinates for us.

Shoutout to each educator in our building. None of what happens in a school happens without a staff to run the show. I have been blessed with a staff that truly cares about their students. Teaching is not easy. It never has been, but it gets harder and harder as the years pass. Teaching is a noble profession where money is never the priority when making the decision to enter the field, and we have a group that gets along well and genuinely cares for our students.

Shoutout to my maintenance staff. They have smiles on their faces as they work every day. They work well together and let me know anytime something seems off. They take care of this place and take pride in what they do.

Shoutout to all of students and teachers that had their student work on display at last week's Open House event. As always, Mr. Breth had some unbelievable furniture items on display from his carpentry classes, and Mr. Marshall once again put on one heck of a gallery of art from both OES to his advanced art classes at DCHS. There also projects on display from math, history, science, and business. There are a few examples below.

Senior Band Students

Shoutout to Mr. Persinger and his senior band students. Last Monday night was the final performance for Weston Barnes, Michaela Wasson, Kelsey Sheats, Cameo Counter, and Jack Holloway

Junior Myleigh Hayes

Myleigh shows off why she was a Blue Ribbon winner at League Art.

Senior Flora Steadman

Flora's bright display stood out in the gym.

Freshman Mitchell Wasson

Astonishingly clear cornhole boards and a great, easy to assemble bed frame were both quite impressive by Mitchell.

Freshman Brady Gehring

Of course Brady is showing off his love of sports with this old school basketball rack.

Senior Garrett Emigh

This eye catching and resourceful table could serve multiple uses for Garrett.

Things You Should Know

GRADUATION INFORMATION

1. When is Graduation? Graduation is set for Saturday, May 17th at 2:00 PM sharp. Doors open at 1:00 PM.

2. Where is Graduation? Graduation will be held in the DCHS Gymnasium.

3. When is the last day of class for Seniors? The last day of class for Seniors is Wednesday, May 14th.

4. When is Graduation rehearsal? Graduation rehearsal is set for Thursday, May 15th at 9:00 am. Students will turn in all items, pay all fees, walk in caps and gowns through the OES hallways, and be served pizza after rehearsal. Students are dismissed after lunch.

5. Other Important Items: Seniors and parents should have received an email and a letter with important information regarding Graduation this past week. If the letter did not arrive, it should be coming shortly. Here are important dates to plan for.

Awards Program - Wednesday, May 14th at 2:30 in the DCHS Auditorium.

Baccalaureate - Wednesday, May 14th at 7:00 in the DCHS Auditorium.

DCHS Class of 2025

A huge shoutout to senior student and STUCO President, Michaela Wasson. Michaela for the second consecutive year took it upon herself this year to collect information for Senior Spotlights. They were in the paper as well, but here is one last final tribute. Thank you, Michaela!

Raelyn Bailey

Raelyn Bailey is the daughter of Mark and Shayla Bailey and an older sister to Rustin Bailey. After graduating high school, she plans to attend Friends University and major in Zoo Science and Art. She is excited about learning new things while working toward her goal of working with large animals and zoos. This year she is involved in Singers, Drama Club, and FFA. “Be active and not afraid to try something new. You can only succeed or learn there is never a failure, just keep trying.” One of her favorite shows growing up was Star Wars Return of the Jedi. “Kelsey and Weston have been my go-to friends since we were little. I am forever grateful for our adventures together and their constant support”. Her favorite food is her mother’s chicken enchiladas. Good luck at Friends University next Fall, Raelyn!

Noah Baker

Noah Baker is the son of JuliAnna and Mark Baker Noah has 4 siblings: Tiffany Stephans, Nathan Baker, Marissa Davis, and Jordan Baker. He also has 9 nieces and nephews. His favorite tv show is Spongebob Squarepants. His favorite school subject is PE. What he will miss most about high school is his friends. Noah's favorite saying is "Tag- Your it!"

Weston Barnes

Weston Barnes is the son of Matt and Amber Barnes and an older brother to Harley. He has been accepted into Oklahoma State University and plans to major in Elementary Education. He looks forward to the many diverse experiences the world has to offer. Weston has a lead role in this year's musical The Addams Family and is involved in the DCHS Singers, Scholar’s Bowl, Student Council, Band, and Track. “Do not run from things that are hard.” He is very thankful for his brother who has been his built-in best friend since the get-go. “Raelyn and Kelsey have been my best friends from the get-go. They have always been so supportive and I can’t imagine my life without them.” He enjoys reading a good book and hiking. “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.” - Master Oogway. Good luck, Weston, your future is bright!

Caleb Beisner

Caleb Beisner is the son of Christine Beisner. In the fall he plans on attending Fort Hays Northwest Tech to weld. This year he was involved in basketball, golf, drama club, and D-Club. He loves Dr. Pepper and sleeping! Good luck in Goodland, Caleb!

Cameo Counter

Cameo is the daughter of Jonathan and Elisabeth Counter, an older sibling to her brother Brennan who is 15, and her baby brother Henry. She also has 4 other siblings on her mom's side. Their names are: Becca, Harley, Justin, and Wyatt. After high school, she plans to go to Emporia State University. She plans on majoring in music education. This year she is involved in Cheer, FFA, StuCo, Singers, Musical, Play, and 4-H. She will miss being close to her friends when she goes to college. Her favorite drink is Dr. Pepper and her food is chicken alfredo. She is looking forward to Prom and Graduation. Her favorite subjects are vocal and English. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt. Your future is bright, Cameo.

Garrett Emigh

Garrett Emigh is the son of Abby and Kyle Emigh. After high school, he plans on going to Southeast Community College to the John Deere Tech Program. Garrett is excited to make money and get out of school. He was involved in three sports this year, football, wrestling, and baseball. “Always get your work done at school so you have no homework”. He is very thankful for his mom and dad, who have made huge sacrifices for him. He enjoys riding dirt bikes and hanging out with his friends. Good luck, Garrett, your future is bright!

Jenna Fortin

Jenna Fortin is the daughter of Daren and Erica Fortin and she has an older sister, Jacie, and a younger sister, Jori. She is planning on attending Kansas State University to major in Communications Sciences in Disorders. “You will never be this age again, do what makes you happy”. Jenna is involved in basketball, volleyball, D-club, NHS, CYO, 4-H, and Student Council. She is thankful for her Grammy Alice and all of her supportive family. Your future is bright, Jenna!

Jesse Hendrickson

Jesse Hendrickson is the son of Scott and Patti Hendrickson. He has four siblings: Kayla, Austin, Sierra, and Lilly. He plans on going into Criminal Justice at Washburn University. He played football, basketball, and track this year. He is excited to get out and try new foods. His favorite subject is Chemistry and his favorite animals are Mantis shrimp and Platypus. Good luck at Washburn, Jesse!

Jack Holloway

Jack Holloway is the son of Megan and Jeremy Holloway. He has one older sister Emma Holloway. He will attend Kansas University in the fall to major in Pre-Pharmacy. He looks forward to going off to college and starting adulthood. This year he has been involved in Band, Student Council, Scholar’s Bowl, and was the Senior class president this year. He loves food. Buffalo wings are his favorite! Good luck at KU this fall, Jack!

Leeya Hull

Leeya hull is the daughter of Robert and Tina Hull and is the oldest of three younger brothers. She will attend the nursing program at Colby in the fall to get her LPN. She is excited to explore what her future holds and meet new people, but she will miss all her friends and family here. “Don’t put things off till the last minute and if you need help, just ask and don’t be afraid to do the impossible.” She is thankful that she got to move around and find a place where she met all of the amazing people she knows today. Her favorite food and drink is sushi and Dr Pepper. Good luck in Norton, Leeya!

Davin Jensen

Davin Jensen is the son of Chad Jensen and Jennifer Schissler. He has three older sisters, Kassidie, Kennedy, and Breckyn. After high school he plans on attending Fort Hays State University. This year, he has been involved in Basketball and Golf. If he would say something to his younger classmen he would say “trying hard is for suckers, just have fun”. His favorite food is Chips Ahoy Cookie Blast. He enjoys playing his guitar and being with his dog. Good luck at Hays, Davin!

Makadyn Ketterl

Makadyn Ketterl is the daughter of Todd and Sandy Ketterl. She has two younger siblings, Brycen and Addy. In the fall, she plans on attending Fort Hays State University to study elementary education. She has been involved in basketball, volleyball, NHS, D-Club, 4-H, and CYO. “Don’t procrastinate and get your work done.” She is looking forward to graduation but will miss seeing her friends every day at school. Makadyn enjoys baking, and her favorite subject is English. “Every mistake is a lesson, so try and learn from it”. Good luck at Hays, Makadyn!

Ryllie Lippelmann

Ryllie Lippleman is the daughter of Milo and Melissa Lippelmann. In the fall, Ryllie will attend Fort Hays State University to major in Art Education to become an Elementary Art Teacher. She is ready to go to college and meet new people. This year, she was involved in Volleyball, Basketball, Cheer, Golf, Shooting Sports, 4-H, FFA, Play, and Musical. “People like to talk, so let them. Not everyone is going to like you, and it's okay! Take care of yourself.” Good luck at Hays, Ryllie!

Arika Marshall

Arika Marshall is the daughter of Joni Diederich and Rodney Marshall and has a younger sister Makayla and an older sister Jacquelyn. She plans on going to college to study psychology. This year she is involved in Cheer, Volleyball, and Track. “Don’t let people push you around, stand your ground and be confident about it.” She is thankful for her mom and for being patient with her over the years. Arika will miss being in cheer, she says it was the best decision she has made in high school. She loves chicken legs, Sprite, and her dog Nyla. Your future is bright, Arika.

Jessiah Mcdougal

Jessiah McDougal is the son of Heather and Garret McDougal. He has two older brothers, Jude and Justice. In the fall he plans to attend Salina Tech for HVAC, (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). This year he is involved in Cross Country and Track. Jessiah is excited to experience new things and new opportunities but he will miss the amazing energy of home basketball games. Jessiah enjoys leading the student section at sporting events and racing. His favorite food is pizza and Gatorade. “If you ain’t first your last”- Ricky Bobby. Good luck in Salina, Jessiah!

Desirae Mohr

Desire Mohr is the daughter of Sarah Mohr and Richard Huff. She is the oldest of four children: Keely Huff, Madilyn Mohr, and Alayna Mohr. After high school she plans on going into the workforce as she isn’t sure what exactly she wants to do yet. She is excited for adulthood and having her own place. "Dear diary, today I couldn't find my diary so I'm writing this on both of my Kung Fu Panda 2 dvds." - Drew Gooden, Vine. Her favorite food is pizza, steak, lo mein, chocolate milk, lemonade, and any soda. Good luck, Des!

Jordon Ruzicka

Jordan Ruzicka is the son of Zeke Ruzicka, and the older sibling to Kaitlyn, Aiden, and Chloe. He plans on attending college to be a traveling nurse or a flight nurse. This year he is involved in Cheer, Drama Club, Forensics, and the Spring Play. Jordan’s favorite childhood movie is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. He is excited to see the world and make new friends, but he will miss hanging out with all of the friends he has here. His favorite drink is Dr Pepper and his favorite food is spaghetti. "I hope you're pleased with yourselves. We could all have been killed - or worse, expelled. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to bed." J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Your future is bright!

Talan Sauvage

Talan Sauvage is the son of Justin and Nicole Sauvage. His siblings are Breckin and Josie Sauvage. In the fall, Talan will attend Fort Hays University to major in public accounting. He plans on being a Certified Public Accountant. He looks forward to meeting new people but will miss his friends and family. His favorite food is steak, and something he couldn’t live without is his air fryer. Good luck at Hays, Talan!

Kelsey Sheats

Kelsey Sheats is the daughter of Heidi Melhorn and Rick Sheats. She has 6 older siblings. In the fall, she will attend Emporia State University to major in Music Education. She is most excited to continue doing the things she loves, just at a different location. This year she was involved in Singers, Musical, Forensics, Scholars Bowl, and Band. She will miss seeing all of her friends in the hallway every day at school. Good luck at Emporia, Kelsey!

Allyson Simpson

Allyson Simpson is the daughter of Jessica Rice and Kane Simpson. She has a younger sister and brother, Gracie and Jennings. She plans to study medical sonography at Washburn University. Allyson is excited to see where her future and career takes her. This year, she is a cheerleader and in the Singers group. “Keep going and try at least everything the school offers.” She will miss cheering at football games, choir events, and participating in Plays. Her favorite food is spaghetti, and her favorite drink is apple juice. She enjoys reading and writing. “The most beautiful thing in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart” - The Little Prince. Good luck, Ally, your future is bright!

Flora Steadman

Flora Steadman is the younger sibling to Diane and her husband, Justin Polfus. She plans to attend beauty school to be a cosmetologist. Flora is excited about leaving high school and starting her new life. She is going to miss being around her friends and visiting with her teachers. “Too much mystery is merely an annoyance. Too much adventure is exhausting. And a little terror goes a long way.” - Dean Koontz. Your future is bright Flora!

Madison Urban

Madison Urban is the daughter of Bill and Nora Urban. She is the younger sister to Mackenzie and Mason. In the Fall, Maddy plans on going to NCK Tech in Hays to get her Nursing degree to become a labor and delivery nurse. This year she was the Basketball and Volleyball Manager and she is also involved in 4-H. “Don’t wait until the last minute to do your homework.” Maddy’s favorite food is Prime Rib and Dr. Pepper. “There are no regrets in life, just lessons.” - Jennifer Aniston. Good luck at NCK, Maddy!

Michaela Wasson

Michaela Wasson is the daughter of Michael and Kelly Wasson and also the oldest sister to Mitch and Macy. This fall, she plans on attending Kansas State University to major in Ag Business/Animal Science. She is excited to see what the future holds for her, but she will miss her family and friends, especially her little sister Macy. This year she was a lead part in the Musical, played Volleyball and Basketball, was President of both FFA and Student Council, a member of NHS, Singers, Band, D-Club, CYO, Decatur County Youth Leaders, 4-H, and Northwest Kansas Ag Ambassadors. She loves movies, especially Ice Age, and her favorite food is beef’n noodles. She is very thankful for her family and her supporters throughout the years. Good Luck at K-State, Michaela!

Kaden Waterman

Kaden Waterman is the son of Heather Waterman. He has 4 siblings: Alexandra, Corbin, Kiaya, and Joseph. He plans on attending Garden City Community College for the BTI Ag Program. He is very thankful for his mom and everything she has done for him. He enjoys fishing and is excited to be done with school! Good luck in Garden City, Kaden!

Big Week Ahead

There are a lot of things going on during the last week of school.

Monday, May 12:

2:50-3:40: JH Awards Assembly: JH students will be recognized for a variety of awards including academic, athletic, and citizenship awards.

7:00: Grades 5-8 Band Concert: The final band performance of the year will combine the upper elementary and junior high bands.

Tuesday, May 13:

2:30-3:40 Sixth Grade Orientation: Sixth grade students will visit DCHS, meet the Student Council, tour the building, hear from the principal and coaches, finalize enrollment, and ask any questions they have. Parents are welcome and encouraged to come!

6:00-7:00 Science Fair: Mr. Wendelin's classes will have work on display for everyone to come in and see. Come to the school to check out all of the projects before you head to the concert.

7:30 JH/SH Spring Choir Concert: It's our final concert of the year. Come out and see our high quality performers perform one last time. Several of these students were just performing at the State level less than two weeks ago.

Wednesday, May 14:

2:30 HS Awards Ceremony: High school students will be recognized for a variety of academic awards such as grades, scholarships, Citizenship Awards, and more.

7:00 Baccalaureate

Saturday, May 16:

2:00 Graduation: One final time that all of our seniors will be together at DCHS at the same time. No need to explain this one.

Oberlin to Host Regional Track Event

Thursday May 22 will be a huge event for DCJ/SHS - we are hosting the Regionals Track Meet, and expecting 28 teams!!

We need your help Oberlin!! We are looking for assistance with running the events - preferably adults with some knowledge of track and field events.

Please contact Brandon Gehring at the high school at 785-475-2231 or at bgehring@usd294.org if you are interested!!

RESULTS TO BE DETERMINED!

Red Devil Ready

Well, it’s time for the magical summer season to begin once again, time to play my annual song, "The Way," by Fastball, on the last day of school. Favorite line? "An exit to eternal summer slacking," although that was back in the teaching days. In this position, the job never stops, and the one I'm going to? Summer doesn't really exist, at least not like it did before.

To all of the students and parents of the class of 2026, it's almost your time, but don't rush it. Enjoy a childhood summer one last time!

It was an honor to be your principal.

Jeremy Holloway

Go Big Red!