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GMG, G-R school districts hold Commencement exercises

The GMG 2023 Graduates are pictured prior to Commencement on May 21, 2023 First Row (l-r) Caiden Collins, Noah Teske, Patrick Savatdy, Bodin Lewis, Brenden Becker, Brayden Duden, Nicholas Tuttle and Brock Drew; Second Row: Bryson Kriegel, Jason Zielstorf, Brandon Zaldana, JJ Hornburg, Mason Cowan, Cameron Smith, Wyatt Jackson and Zach Duncan. Third Row: Lindsey Kohn, Emily Witte, Kaylee Faircloth, Savannah Pencil, Alivea Soukhavong, Presley Watson, Taylor Tremaine-Lada and Braylee Kimberley. Fourth Row: Ashlynnohnson, Ava Campbell, Jessica Johnson, Marriah Stonewall, Jenna Humphrey, Kaylea Duden and Kiara Curtis. PHOTO COURTESY ANGIE LARSON/GMG SCHOOLS ENGLISH TEACHER
The Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School Class of 2023. PHOTO COURTESY CORISSA SNIDER/G-R SCHOOLS
Members of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School Class of 2023 celebrate by tossing their caps in the air during Commencement on Sunday, May 14, in Reinbeck. PHOTO COURTESY CORISSA SNIDER/G-R SCHOOLS
GMG Principal Jaimie Gargas, left, is pictured presenting the Governor's Scholar Award to GMG 2023 Valedictorian Noah Teske. Noah is the son of Jeff and Megan Teske. PHOTO COURTESY ANGIE LARSON/GMG SCHOOLS ENGLISH TEACHER
Gladbrook-Reinbeck Commencement speaker Henry Mussig. Ashlyn Moore and Ava Wyatt, not pictured, also spoke. PHOTO COURTESY CORISSA SNIDER/G-R SCHOOLS
Members of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck band perform during Commencement on Sunday, May 14, in the high school gym. PHOTO COURTESY CORISSA SNIDER/G-R SCHOOLS
Members of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School choir perform during Commencement on Sunday, May 14, in the gym in Reinbeck. PHOTO COURTESY CORISSA SNIDER/G-R SCHOOLS
​​Richard Van Der May, left, represented the Tama County Bar Association and presented the coveted "Citizenship Award" to Linsey Kohn. This prestigious award goes to a senior who displays character, good citizenship and integrity. Lindsey is the daughter of Sarah Mattingly and Joe Kohn. PHOTO COURTESY ANGIE LARSON/GMG SCHOOLS ENGLISH TEACHER
Gladbrook-Reinbeck Class of 2023 graduate Wesley Latchman smiles as he walks down the aisle in the G-R High School gymnasium on Sunday, May 14, after receiving his diploma. PHOTO COURTESY CORISSA SNIDER/G-R SCHOOLS
GMG 2023 Salutatorian Marriah Stonewall, right, is pictured with Mr. James Rodgers as she is presented the GMG Class of 2023 Athletic Scholarship. She is the daughter of Tim and Jackie Stonewall. PHOTO COURTESY ANGIE LARSON/GMG SCHOOLS ENGLISH TEACHER
Gladbrook-Reinbeck Class of 2023 graduate Emma McClintock hugs a family member on Sunday, May 14, in the high school gym after receiving her diploma. PHOTO COURTESY CORISSA SNIDER/G-R SCHOOLS

GMG Commencement was held at Garwin on May 21. Thirty students were on the class roll plus one early 2024 Early Graduate. Class motto was: “We’ll miss the clowns, not the circus.” Junior Class Ushers were Jabari Woodbury, Reese Dieleman, Austin Pencil and Jocee Mason.

Salutatorian Marriah Stonewall presented the “Welcome” to the large crowd. The Senior Video, put together by the 2023 Senior Class, featured photos of the last 13 years.

Class members wore special colored cords to indicate: Blue Cord – National Guard; Blue Sash – 4 year member of FFA; Gold Cord – GPA above 3.0; Red Cord – Donated Five Units of Blood; White Sash – Iowa Army National Guard; White Cord – More than 100 Hours Community Service; Silver Cord – Long term Student Council Service; Maroon Cord – Long Term Speech and Debate; and A Medal – 4 Year 4-H Membership.

Valedictorian Noah Teske was Class Speaker.

Noah stated, “I used the common, cheesy phrase, “Live, Laugh, Love” to give advice to the graduates about living and learning through experiences, laughing about things that don’t go their way, and loving what they do and who they are.”

Principal Gargas presented the awards and honors. The GMG Foundation contributed $87,500 in Scholarships. The GMG Class of 2023 also was granted an additional $100,000 in external monies.

The GMG Choir performed under the direction of Mr. Joel Schoening. The Presentation of Diplomas was conducted with a Faculty or Board Member chosen by each graduate handing out the diploma.

The Presentation of the Class of 2023 was conducted by Principal Jaimie Gargas. The Recessional was played by the GMG Band, directed by Mr. Charles Beeler.

A special “Thank you” to Mrs. Angie Larsen, GMG English teacher, for assisting with all graduation pictures.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck Commencement

By Ruby F. McAllister

Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School held Commencement exercises in the high school gymnasium on Sunday, May 14, in Reinbeck. The district granted diplomas to 36 students this year.

The top 10% of the G-R 2022-23 senior class was recognized and includes Megan Cooley, Caleb Egesdal, and Ashlyn Moore.

Commencement speakers were Ashlyn Moore and Ava Wyatt who spoke together, and Henry Mussig.