BELLVILLE —Clear Fork High School graduates turned their tassels at the 2025 commencement ceremony on Sunday.
The skies were overcast, but the 122 graduates were all smiles.
Class President Lillian Weikle gave the commencement address.
She thanked the teachers and staff, who she said excelled in educating the graduates academically and imparted valuable life lessons.
Turning her attention to her classmates, Weikle congratulated them for reaching this point after years of homework, studying labs, and “countless conversations about how much we couldn’t wait to graduate.”
“Looking back, I never would have imagined as I was starting back in my kindergarten class that the next 12 years would unfold the way they did. And yet here we are standing before our family, friends, and a daughter,” she said.
Weikle said graduation marks the time when the seniors are expected to step into new responsibilities, make mistakes, explore paths, and change their minds about their majors and goals.
“When we walk out of here today, it marks the beginning of new experiences, new friendships, and in some cases the opportunity to leave certain things in the past,” she said.
“Life is challenging, but I have no doubt that we will all find our way in this vast and unpredictable world.”
Citing Romans 1:48 and other scripture as guidance, Weikle left the graduates with some advice: Remember that at the end of the day, our choices are between us and God.
“When challenges arise, remember that He is with you, guiding you through every decision and every moment,” she told her classmates.
“As we step into the future, be unique, be confident, be proud, be memorable, and most importantly, be you.”
