Program Cover



RACINE- On May 21, 2023 at 7:30 pm, Southern High School held their 2023
Baccalaureate and Commencement Exercises. Graduating students entered single
file into the gymnasium to the Southern High School band, directed by Mr. Chad
Dodson, performing “Pomp and Circumstance” by E. Elgar. National Honor Society
President, Hannah Smith, gave the welcome thanking those who provided
support to the class throughout the years, including those in attendance, and
congratulating the Class of 2023. Member of the Class of 2023, Trenton Owens,
delivered the invocation. Student Council President, Hannah Smith, then led the
class and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Southern High School Band then
performed “From Glen to Glen” by Robert Sheldon.
Salutatorian, Layne Reuter, gave his Salutatorian address. In his address, he
thanked the faculty by stating, “I will speak for everyone and say we are all
thankful to have a school with wonderful teachers”, and reflected on
relationships built through sports by stating that, “Playing football has given me
many unbreakable bonds that I will cherish for the rest of my life.” Reuter went
on to mention COVID struggles, including that, “COVID was just truly the worst
but I believe it has made us all a bit more resilient.” He went on to mention his
parents influencing him in his academics, “Without the experience of my parents
pushing me to be better, I might not be standing here today.”
Valedictorian, Jake Roush, gave his Valedictorian address. Jake addressed the
difficulties of reality when he suggested that, “I urge you all to appreciate the
hard times - the struggles. Struggles are reality, and they are key to our personal
development.” He also addressed challenges by stating, “Failure provides, it does
not withhold.” He continued to discuss supporting one’s self by saying, “Selfish
acts, as some say, are frowned upon, but there is no element of selfishness that
ultimately leads to selflessness”. He then addressed and congratulated the Class
of 2023.
Mr. Otto, SHS Principal, then recognized those who were in the top ten of the
class, those who were in the NHS, and those who received an honors diploma.
Superintendent, Tony Deem did the presentation of the class followed by
Southern Local Board of Education President, Mr. Denny Evans, who presented
each student with their diploma. The graduating students were:

Cassidy Shane Bailey, Braxton Slaid Bare, Jonathon Theron Black, Cruz Robert
Brinager, Kylee Suzanne Circle, Waylon Gene Dillon, #Braydon James Essick,
Ashton Kade Gandee, *#+Gregoria Elizabeth Herrera, Grace Joy Hoover, Morgan
Suellen Houghton, Kaden Olivia Johnson, Madison Faith Jones, Damian Alexander
Laudermilt, #Colton Douglas Lavender, Bradie Allen McCulley, #+Damien Michael
Miller, Sydnee Quinn Morris, Trenton Michael Andrew Owens, Jayla Paige
Pickens, Mason William Pullins, *Terin Elizabeth Reiber, *#+Layne Jaron Reuter,
Kodi Allen Rife, Monte Andrew Riffle, Christian Douglas Roush, *#+Jake Charles
Hill Roush, #Dannika Adaire Savage, Brayden Lee Sellers, Chloe Gracelyn Ann
Smith, Elizabeth Marie Smith, *#+Hannah Paige Smith, #Jerry Malachi Smith,
#+Aubrey Ann Stobart, Kolten Wayne-Garrett Thomas, and Ella Isabella Turner
Note: * Denotes National Honor Society, # Denotes Top Ten, + Denotes
Honors Diploma
President of the Class of 2023, Hannah Smith then led the class in the changing of
the tassels before the graduating class lead the crowd in the singing of our Alma
Mater. Damien Miller then closed the service with the benediction. Southern
Local band played “Recessional” by J. Ployhar as the graduates left the
gymnasium.
Thank you to: Junior Class Ushers (Brayden Otto, Kaiden Michael, Chloe Rizer, and
Alexis Smith) and the “Live Stream” Crew (Ava Roush and Kamry Roush).
Congratulations to all the Graduates of 2023