Photo by Margaret Thomsen Left-GMG Graduates of 2015 followed tradition as they tossed their hats in jubilation following the Commencement on May 17. The wind carried the hats to levels matching the Graduates excitement and expectations.

Commencement Exercises were held on May 17 for thirty five GMG Seniors. The Processional was played by Mrs. Sue Koster. Junior Class Marshals were Shawna Hughes and Jacob Burt. Junior Class Ushers were Blayne Koster, Josh Gruen, Anna Scheidel, Amy Goettsch and Emily Goettsch.

Senior Ella Gruen created a Senior Video for all to view. Pictures of the class throughout the years and of each graduate were included. Jeff Hughes presented the “Welcome” and offered a Prayer of Thanks for “…. being with us as we have grown and being with us in the years ahead.”

High School Principal Mark Polich introduced members of the National Honor Society. They included: Alex Cox, Alec Bovenmyer, Ella Gruen, Jeff Hughes, Kenna Krier, Bryce Newcomb and Olivia Barritt.

Students with a cumulative grade point of 3.0 or better included: Olivia Barritt, Alec Bovenmyer, Matthew Carlon, Cesar Castillo, Alex Cox, Gabriella Gruen, Kenan Hall, Jeffery Hughes, Kenna Krier, Bryce Newcomb, Mega Slingluff, Matthew Smith, Tyler Sorem, Ryan Spurlin, Michele Teube and Tabytha Teube.

Seven students comprise the top ten percent of the class. Those students are: Olivia Barritt, Alec Bovenmyer, Cesar Castillo, Ella Gruen, Jeff Hughes, Kenna Krier and Ryan Spurlin.

Photo by Margaret Thomsen Above-Kenna Krier was named Valedictorian of the GMG Class of 2015. Olivia Barritt was recipient of the Salutatorian honor. Parents of the graduates are Keith and Angie Krier and Glen and Sheila Barritt.

Kenna Krier was named Valedictorian and Olivia Barritt was recognized as Salutatorian. Their parents are Keith and Angie Krier and Glen and Sheila Barritt. Class Speakers were Kenna Krier and Ella Gruen.

Attorney Brandon Roupp presented the Iowa State Bar Association Citizenship Award. In conferring the honor he stated the student is selected by the faculty and chosen on the basis of recognizing the responsibilities of good citizenship. Ryan Spurlin, son of Mike and Shelly Spurlin, was named the 2015 GMG recipient.

Guidance Counselor Mike Pierson announced the honors and awards received by the graduates. GMG School Board President Jim Fleming and Superintendent Ben Petty presented the diplomas.

Senior Vocalists sang “There You’ll Be”, accompanied by Mrs. Sheryl Mullikin. Class members singing were Megan Slingluff, Kenna Krier, Elee Edwards, Ashley Miller, Ella Gruen, Chris Lothe, Jeff Hughes, Noah Thurston and Nina Soto.

Thirty Five smiling graduates left the gym as The Recessional was played by Mrs. Sue Koster. The weather cooperated and the receiving line formed outside, followed by the traditional tossing of the hats.