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Congratulations Graduates

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Smallest graduation class in H-BC history takes center stage May 27
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By
Mavis Fodness

Hills-Beaver Creek School District officials were reluctant to tout that the H-BC Class of 2016 comprised of nine seniors was the smallest in the school’s 51-year history, but its top students embraced the significance in their student address at Friday night’s commencement.
Valedictorian Thea Richards and Salutatorian Tessa Klarenbeek started their student address by stating that the Class of 2016 is the smallest graduation class since the schools merged in 1965. They also pointed out their class would receive diplomas in the fastest time.
After 40 minutes the nine seniors — Andrew Forshey, Hannah Glidewell, Tessa Klarenbeek, Trenton Kracht, Derek Kruid, Trevor Paulson, Stuart Plimpton, Thea Richards and Cooper Vaughn — were in a receiving line greeting family, fellow students and the public.
The seniors chose “Less is more” for their class motto.
The students indicated they would be attending a two- or four-year college next year. One student, Trenton Kracht, has joined the National Guard, which received applause from the audience after the senior speakers thanked Kracht for his military service.
Reasons for the Class of 2016 low student numbers are many, said Superintendent Todd Holthaus prior to Friday’s commencement exercises.
“I think it is just an anomaly; no specific reason, families come and go,” he said.
Next year the Class of 2017 will graduate 24 students.
“Enrollment next year will be as high as it has ever been,” he said.
H-BC’s projected K-12 enrollment is expected to grow by as much as 15 students from 360 students to 375 for the 2016-17 school year.

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