Pekin seniors say farewell

Pekin held its 2022 graduation ceremony Sunday, May 22 in the high school gymnasium. Superintendent Kevin Hatfield and Principal Andrew Koshatka welcomed the 51 graduates and their families and guests.

An honorary diploma for Evyn Marie Gentry was presented to her family.

Receiving their diplomas were:

Jalen Marie Adams, Jackson Casper Horras, Tyler Wayne Bayliss, Destani Dawn James, Alyssa Marie Berg, Zoey Jade Johnson, Colten Delrae Bishop, Adalia Imani Keith, Bradley Allen Brock, Baylee Jo Lamansky, Mia Christine Clark, Cooper Daniel Laumeyer, Josie Lynne Cobler, Emily Nicole Laumeyer, Colton Michael Comstock, Tyler Jack Lee, Lily Jacqualyn Mae Conger, Sabrina Marie Ann Martin, Makenzie Marie Dahlstrom, Madison Nicole Meixner, Taylor McKenzie Daniels, Kennadee Grace Mellott, Alex Rae Dix, Paityn Elizabeth Mellott, Jaidyn Shae Elder, Richard Bemauer Nissen, Zaden James Elliott, Kerrigan Luann Pope, Michael Joseph Entsminger, Kevin Leo Rohr, Tyler James Essary, Zaden Michael Shull, Sarah Eden Eubanks, Morgan Lynn Siegfried, Lily Michaela Fariss, Arron Joshua Silvers, Robert Andrew Fink, Ian James Silvers, Levi Thomas Gaines, Dylan Jacob Smith, Quinton Andrew Gaines, Chase Matthew Stansberry, Taylor Marie Gambell, Chandler Ryan Stull, Taylor Nicole Sylvester, Blake Michael Grinstead, Michayne Karenna Weber, Landon Carter Harl, Zackerie Addison Wise, Jessica Lynn Holmes, Maison John Hopper.

The Pekin choir sang at the graduation ceremony held Sunday. (photo submitted)

Makenzie Dahlstrom, a 2022 Pekin graduate, spoke at graduation Sunday. Dahlstrom was her class vice president. She plans to attend Luther College in Decorah, where she will major in business and play basketball. (Photo courtesy of Jill Dahlstrom)

Pekin High School senior Adalia Keith was her class’s president and valedictorian, and was chosen to speak at graduation on Sunday, May 22. (Photo courtesy of Jill Dahlstrom)

Quinton Gaines receives his high school diploma from Pekin High School Principal Andrew Koshatka during Pekin’s graduation ceremony Sunday, May 22. (Photo courtesy of Jill Dahlstrom)

An honorary diploma for Evyn Marie Gentry was presented to her family during Pekin’s graduation ceremony Sunday, May 22. Evyn passed away in 2008 at age 3. (Photo courtesy of Jill Dahlstrom)

Pekin School Superintendent Kevin Hatfield speaks during graduation ceremonies Sunday, May 22. (Photo courtesy of Jill Dahlstrom)

Makenzie Dahlstrom hugs Jason Eubanks upon her graduation from Pekin High School. Eubanks is the father of Makenzie’s best friend, Sarah Eubanks, who also graduated from Pekin Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Jill Dahlstrom)

Makenzie Dahlstrom graduated from Pekin High School Sunday, joined by her family, from left: Brothers Sven, Nason and Trison, and parents Jill and Shawn. (Photo submitted)

Twin brothers Levi and Quinton Gaines graduated from Pekin High School Sunday, May 22. From left are parents Jim and Michelle, Levi, Quinton, sister Diana Roff and brother Brad. (Photo submitted)

A group of Pekin High School girls celebrate their graduation with confetti. From left are Zoey Johnson, Sarah Eubanks, Taylor Gambell, Mia Clark, Makenzie Dahlstrom, Emily Laumeyer, Kerrigan Pope and Taylor Sylvester. (Photo courtesy of Jill Dahlstrom)