I’ve always asked a lot of questions. At golf camp, they used to call me “20 Questions” because I was constantly digging for answers, sometimes to the point of getting teased.
But that curiosity has stuck with me, and I’ve come to see it as one of my greatest strengths.
Over time, I’ve realized that asking ques-
tions – especially the hard ones – is where real learning and passion begin. Surface-level knowledge can only take you so far. It’s when you start asking “why” and “what if” that your thinking sharpens and your interests deepen.
Education gave me the tools to explore those questions, and I carry that mindset with me every day in my career and life. Beyond academics, what I value most about our schools is the community. It’s easy to take that for granted. I know I did at times.
But when I got to college, I missed it deeply. The familiar faces, the encouragement, the sense of connection that only a hometown and a supportive school environment can give – that’s something special, and not everyone gets it.
To the Class of 2025: My advice as you start your next chapter? Channel your curiosity. Keep asking questions. Not just to
ABOUT THE COVER:
find answers, but to uncover meaning. Stay open-minded. Be willing to learn from everyone and everything. And above all, stay humble.
That’s something it took me a long time to learn. But humility and gratitude, especially for where you come from, make you stronger, and they lift up everyone around you.
You’ve got the foundation. Now go build something incredible.
Congratulations. Your journey is just beginning.
Shane Walden
Shane is a second-generation pharmacist at Iola Pharmacy, following in the footsteps of his father, Bill. He is a 2016 graduate of Iola High School.
HUMBOLDT HONOR STUDENTS:
Front row, from left, Cassidy Friend, Sydnea Bumstead and Shelby Shaughnessy; back row from left, Blake Ellis and Avery Works. These students were identified as being the top of Humboldt High School’s graduating class. COURTESY PHOTO
From left, Madeleine Wanker, Delaney Ramsey, Kaysin Crusinbery, Denton Ramsey, Elza Clift and Ava Newman. Each has been recognized as top of their high school’s graduating class.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF: April Kroenke
EDITORS:
Susan Lynn and Tim Stau er
GRAPHIC DESIGN:
Kristi Kranker
Violeta Rodriguez Stau er MARKETING:
ADVERTISING:
CONTENT:
Tyner Apt-Hill, Kim Ensminger, Stacey Fager, Trena Golden, Clara Misenhelter, Dylan Porter, Debbie Taiclet, Shane Walden, Shane Walter, Jon Wells, and Amber Wheeler
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
Paul Vernon, Shelby Miller, and Tim Stau er
IOLA HIGH SCHOOL USD 257 GRADUATES
USD 257 GRADUATION COMMENCEMENT
SATURDAY, MAY 10 • 2 P.M.
Iola High School Gymnasium
Superintendent: Stacey Fager
Principal: Scott Carson • Assistant Principal: Matt Baumwart
USD 257 Board Members: Jen Taylor, Dan Willis, Tony Leavitt, John Masterson, Doug Dunlap, Robin Griffin-Lohman, and John Wilson
CONGRATULATIONS, 2025 GRADUATES!
“Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”
Steven French - Mayor ~ Martin Luther King
Max Grundy
Josiah D’Albini
Jonathan Wells
Benedict Middleton
Nicholas Lohman
Kim Peterson
Joelle Shallah
Joel Wicoff
IOLA HIGH SCHOOL USD 257 GRADUATES
Kyndal Bycroft Cortland Carson Elza Clift
Carlie Cox Baylie Crooks Kaysin Crusinbery
Alexia Alexander Maxwell Andersen Samuel Anderson Aretzy Becerra-Fuentes Matthew Beckmon Isabelle Berntsen
Reese Curry Roper Curry Keaton DePaola
Kelson DePaola
Harper Desmarteau
Alex Donnelly
Jayden Goble Kale Godfrey Janae Griffin Ethan Harris Cashlin Hedden
Jacob Stokes Trevor Tatman Emalee Thompson Logan Thornton Luis Torres-Avila Axel Velazquez-Argaez
Kenleigh Westhoff Alyssa Williams Kegan Wilson
Kenneth Wilson Morgan Wilson Logan Yocham
Dear Graduates,
Congratulations! What an exciting and meaningful time this is in your life. As someone who once sat right where you are now, I know the mix of emotions you’re probably feeling: pride, excitement, curiosity, maybe even a little uncertainty.
I grew up right here in this small town in Kansas, walked the same halls you walked, and wore the same cap and gown you’ll soon be wearing. And I can tell you this: the values, lessons, and community you’ve been part of here will carry you further than you can imagine.
There’s something powerful about growing up in a small town. You learn how to show up for others, how to work hard even when no one’s watching, and how to dream big while staying grounded.
You may not realize it yet, but this community has already equipped you with tools that many people spend years trying to develop—resilience, kindness, and a strong sense of who you are.
When I think back on my own graduation, I remember the feeling of standing on the edge of something new. I wasn’t exactly sure what would come next, but I was certain that
I wanted to build a life filled with purpose and growth.
Your path forward might include college, work, service, travel, or something completely unexpected. Whatever it is, know that your story matters, and your roots will always be your strength.
Education isn’t just about books and tests—it’s about discovering who you are, what you care about, and how you can contribute to the world. Keep learning, not just in classrooms but through people, experiences, and even setbacks. Some of the best lessons come when things don’t go as planned.
If I could leave you with one piece of advice, it’s this: believe in yourself, especially when it’s hard. The world needs your voice, your perspective, and your heart. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away. Just take the next step, and then the next one after that. Trust that you’re capable of more than you know.
HUMBOLDT HIGH SCHOOL USD 258 LETTER TO GRADUATES
To the Humboldt High School Class of 2025
Dear Graduating Class of 2025,
One of my favorite books is by Peter H. Reynolds, titled “Be You!” The very first page says, “You were born to be so many things.”
During your time here you’ve been so many things. Your parents and elementary teachers will remember you being little, playing on the playground, and learning to read. You’ve been students, athletes, friends, interns, learners, leaders, and teammates.
Some of you have found things you want to be in the future and maybe some things you don’t want to be. But even though you’ve had so many opportunities here to “be,” you’ve only just begun. The paths that have led you through our halls now lead you out into the future, one where you can be whatever you choose to be.
Reynolds continues with, “My wish for you–no matter where your journey leads–is for you to always Be You!” I hope you look for ways to make the dreams you have now a reality, but I also hope you can dream new things along the way. Find YOUR passion, YOUR dreams, YOUR people, and YOUR joy!
We are proud and humbled by the opportunity to have held a part of your story. Please know that you will always be part of our district’s story. You will forever be a Cub–a permanent member of Cubs Nation!
So we say the small word of “Congratulations” to the Class of 2025, but our hearts will be filled with so much more as we watch you walk across that stage on a day that celebrates you.
May your future be bright, your dreams be bold, and your journey be filled with everything you hope to come true! “You are ready. So…go ahead…Be You. Be very, very You!”
Dr. Amber Wheeler
Superintendent of Schools USD 258Humboldt
HUMBOLDT HIGH SCHOOL USD 258 GRADUATES
USD 258 GRADUATION COMMENCEMENT
SATURDAY, MAY 17 • 5 P.M.
Humboldt Community Field House
Superintendent: Dr. Amber Wheeler
Principal: John Johnson
USD 258 Board Members: Josh Wrestler, Joyce Allen, Nathan Ellison, Ashley Johnson, Drake Tilman, Sandy Whitaker, and Andrea Newman
Kourtland Brinkerhoff Sydney Bumstead Tanis Cadwell Colden Cook
Teygan Ewing Trevon Franklin Cassidy Friend Aisley Galloway Cooper Gillespie Glorie Goldstrand
Jaryt Hess Hunter Hutton Kyler Isbell Kathrin Johnson McKenna Jones Cole Mathes
Keith Gomez Brody Gunderman Karrington Hall Jacob Harrington Asher Hart Anna Heiser
Matthew McCullough Jonathon McCullough Luke McGowen Elizabeth Neely Leslie Neighbors
Dear 2025 Graduates,
Today is a BIG deal. It took hard work and dedication to get here. Be proud of your accomplishments big or small. Be grateful for the people in your life that helped to make this day possible. This is just the beginning!
Remember, this is your path. Do not allow anyone to persuade you differently.
No matter if you choose college, a trade school or enter into the work force, this is your decision. You write your own story.
Wake up every day with a positive attitude and conquer whatever the day may bring. Life is about the ups and downs to help us grow into stronger individuals. You got this!
As you go out into the world, it is okay to change your career choice. If you try something and realize it is not for you make the decision to take another path.
“Follow your
Most of you will spend the majority of your life in the workforce. Make sure you choose a job that brings you true happiness whatever that may be. Always work hard, but to not be so busy working that you forget to experience this life. Time is something you will never get back, so use it wisely. Go out and explore the world!
Your future should be full of opportunity. Surround yourself with people who make you a better person and want you to succeed in life.
Fix your eyes on the road ahead, find your purpose, and let inspiration guide you toward your dreams. Enjoy the ride!
Sincerely,
Debbie Taiclet
Debbie is the agent manager for Iola Insurance Associates, where she has worked since 2002. She is a 1987 graduate of Iola High School.
Dear Class of 2025,
Your high school graduation is the culmination of more than a decade spent learning in classrooms and through extracurricular activities. As you prepare to walk across that stage, a position I was in nine years ago, let me be one of the first to congratulate you.
There isn’t a quick way to put a value on the education you have received. Grades can be a quick (albeit imperfect) measure of the work you put in, but they fail to reflect much of the value of your education.
I spent more hours than I’d like to admit focused on my grades. While they did play an important role in earning scholarships, I now realize what I truly value most cannot be found on any of my transcripts. It’s also not the information I strove to memorize before each big test (much of which I regret to inform you has not stuck with me).
Instead, what I value most are the skills I gained. Whether or not you took the same classes or were involved in the same activities, I am confident you gained some of the same skills.
For example, while it may seem like a small thing, learning how to research to find an answer to a question is one of the most important skills that I started working on as a student in Iola and continued to hone in my later studies. It’s a skill I continue to use every single day, both professionally as well as at home as a first-time mother.
As you start this next chapter, whether that includes moving on to a two- or four-year college, attending a trade school, or entering the workforce directly, my biggest advice for you is this: remember the best is yet to come and keep an open mind.
In today’s ever-changing world, I can’t be sure of much, but I do know this: you will be better prepared to face whatever comes your way because of the education you received. And that is worth celebrating.
With congratulations,
Clara Misenhelter
Clara is the program manager for the Rural Grocery Initiative, a project of K-State Research and Extension. She earned her bachelor’s degree at K-State and a master’s degree from the University of Reading, England. A Marshall and Truman scholar, Clara graduated from Iola High School in 2016.
MARMATON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL USD 256 LETTER TO GRADUATES
To the Marmaton Valley High School Class of 2025
Dear Class of 2025,
During graduation season, it’s common to hear references to Dr. Seuss’s beloved book Oh, the Places You’ll Go! If you haven’t had the chance to read it, I encourage you to do so. In true Dr. Seuss fashion, it offers a powerful message about life’s journey-one full of ups, downs, choices, and change.
Up until now, much of your journey has been mapped out for you. Along the way, family, friends, teachers, and coaches have guided and supported you. But your graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter-one in which you will take more responsibility for the path you choose and the destination you hope to reach.
So, I ask you: What is your next destination? And do you have a plan to get there?
Some of you may already be deep into the planning process–and that’s wonderful. Just
remember: the course may shift, and that’s okay. For those of you still unsure, don’t worry. Keep searching, keep exploring. You will find your way.
There will be many factors that influence your journey–some you can control, and some you can’t. But there are two important things that are within your control: your willingness to invest and your decision to say “I can.”
Let’s start with investing. Your family, teachers, and mentors have spent years investing in you–passing along knowledge, life lessons, and skills. Honor their investment by continuing to grow. Learn new things, try new hobbies, and challenge yourself. Most importantly, invest in yourself. Believe that you are worth the time and effort it takes to grow. And just as others have invested in you, tum around and invest in others. Pay it forward.
Now, about those two little words: I can’t. They’ve been responsible for holding back countless dreams. Maybe you’ve heard them echo in the hallways: “I can’t do math,” “I can’t write that paper,” “I can’t speak in front of a group,” “I can’t move away from home,” “I can’t pass that test.” I can’t is a dream killer.
But when you’re facing a tough moment–when your back is against the wall–you have a choice. You can give in and say I can’t, or you can stand tall, push back the fear, and say I can. Saying I can is powerful. It’s courageous. It’s how you grow.
So invest in yourself. Choose courage. Keep learning, keep growing, and when fear whispers that you can’t, you tell it: That’s a lie. I can ...... . and when you do?
Oh, the places you’ll go. You’re off to Great Places Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So ... get on your way!
Congratulations, Class of 2025. The future is yours!
Best wishes!
Superintendent of Schools USD 256Marmaton Valley Wildcat Pride!
Kenyon Knavel Haylee Lanham Ty LaRue Brayden Lawson Alanah Maley
Congratulations, and apologies. Unfortunately, your hard work has paid off and now you are left with the consequences.
You have taken another step towards the inevitable and unceasing journey called “adulthood” and with that all the joys and
responsibilities that comes with it. For me, it has been an honor and privilege to watch you grow, learn, and rise to the challenges of your academic journey. As you prepare to step into the next chapter—whether it’s continuing your education, the workforce, or time for personal exploration—I want to share one final encouragement: make time to give back.
In the rush to establish careers and lives, it’s easy to become consumed by personal goals. But I urge you to remember that true success is not measured solely by individual achievements, but also by the impact you have on others. Volunteer work, in all its forms, offers a powerful way to make that impact.
I won’t sugarcoat it: the world can be cold and callous at times, but do not fret: there is a light in this world that never goes out. It is now your responsibility to remake the world in your vision. If you wish to see things like truth, beauty, love, wisdom, and
justice in the world, this falls squarely on your shoulders now. Go out and make a difference one hour at a time.
As someone who has spent twenty years in public service, I have watched as older generations have grown tired after decades of volunteering on boards and committees. They are burnt out.
It is now your time to shine.
I too often hear “there’s nothing to do in town.” If you wish to see more activities, vol-
unteer; the Allen County Fair, Farm City Days, Water Wars, libraries, churches, the college, the high schools, the Farmers Market, Biblesta, the Historical Society, the Smoking Hot Cars and BBQ, Rotary, Kiwanis, Elks, Masons, and the city governments (to name a few) are all run by volunteer boards and committees.
If you want more things to do, go volunteer and make “more things to do in town.”
If you want to see more public art, volunteer.
If you wish to see an end to injustice, volunteer.
Volunteering enriches not only your community but your own life. It builds empathy, strengthens connections, and reminds us that we are all part of something bigger.
I’ve seen your potential firsthand. You are thoughtful, capable, and full of promise. I have every confidence that you will do great things in your chosen paths.
But unfortunately, with adulthood comes a responsibility. You must choose a path. There is no escaping that decision. What virtues will you instill in this world? Will you be the light?
Congratulations again, good luck, and Godspeed all on your future endeavors.
Dr. Jon Wells
Dr. Jon Wells is an instructor of History and Political Science at Allen Community College. He is a city council member and former mayor of Iola.
—Winston Churchill
SATURDAY, MAY 10 • 10 A.M.
Crest High School Gymnasium
Superintendent: Shane Walter
Principal: Travis Hermreck
USD 479 Board Members: Travis Church, Kevin Nilges, Jamie Henderson, Laura Schmidt, Lance Ramsey, Seth Black, and Nathan Beckmon
CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2025!
Be proud of yourselves and your accomplishments. You have displayed hard work and dedication to reach this destination. View this milestone not as an “end,” but rather a new “beginning.”
Your future adventures as an adult are soon to begin. You have come so far, but there is always more to learn and many “seasons of life” for you to encounter. How exciting!
Crest USD 479 has provided an incredible educational foundation for you to build upon. As a former Crest graduate, I was honored when asked to share my thoughts with you at this very important time in your lives.
Always remember where you started. Remember and appreciate inspirational faculty and staff, family and friends that have supported and helped you get where you are today. Never take the guidance and support they’ve provided for granted. Thank them and let them know they are appreciated, even throughout your future journey. They have been very influential building blocks in helping you become who you are.
Don’t allow comparison to be a thief of joy. Many of you may know exactly what you want to do and where you want to go beyond graduation. Others may not. Some of you may choose to attend a university, a junior college, a trade or technical school, the military or the work force. All are amazing educational pathways! Only YOU can determine the best fit for YOU.
Rely on your faith and values to make decisions now and throughout life. You will then know what is right for you. Each person’s decisions and goals may look a little different than the next. That is perfectly fine and how it should be.
At some point, you may change your mind and decide to change pathways. Give yourself grace and time to figure it out. Never give up the sense of dedication and forever keep the motivation to learn.
In whatever path you choose, don’t settle for mediocre. Be willing to learn all you can and give it your all.
You can do absolutely anything you set your mind to. The future is yours!
Trena Golden
Trena Golden is currently the VP/Compliance Officer and a Loan Officer at Goppert State Service Bank, where she has been employed for 32 years. Trena is a 1987 graduate of Crest High School.
To the Class of 2025,
As graduation season approaches, I find myself preparing for a graduation of my own—my daughter’s preschool ceremony.
While she’s oblivious to the symbolism of the “funny hat,” her experience holds a valuable lesson. Her class will perform a song about two simple words: it’s not goodbye, but thank you.
This sentiment, though perfectly suited for preschoolers, seems to further apply to your upcoming graduation. As you approach this milestone, I encourage you all to shift your perspective: this isn’t goodbye. It’s thank you.
Thank you to your classmates, friends, and family. They’ve made the laughter more joyful, the tears more meaningful, and the experiences more real. Growing up in and around Iola, many of you started this journey together. From awkward haircuts to stunning prom dresses, from first driving experiences to late-night study sessions, they’ve witnessed it all. Some connections will endure, others will fade with distance. Be grateful for the time shared, for the impact they’ve had, and for the memories you’ll carry forward.
Thank you to the teachers and coaches who invested in your growth. Their guidance and lessons will continue to surface in unexpected ways. You might forget specific formulas or homework assignments, but the impact of their dedication and support will remain. They championed your potential, even when you doubted yourselves, and helped shape the individuals you are today. Remember their encouragement and carry it with you as you navigate the future.
And finally, thank you to the Iola community. While some believe you’ll leave Allen County in your rearview mirror, a part of you will always call this place home.
You’ll find yourselves drawn back, time and again. Be thankful for a community that rallies around its high schools.
As you walk across the stage and toss your cap in the air, remember: it’s not goodbye, it’s thank you.
Best of luck,
Tyner Apt-Hill
Tyner Apt-Hill serves in the United States Air Force as a Logistics Readiness Officer. She and her family currently reside outside of St Louis. Tyner is a 2006 graduate of Iola High School.
