A goodbye to students and administration

AFTON - Sunday, 43 students of East Union moved their tassels from right to left. The 2026 class celebrated their years as Eagles as they would soon set off into adulthood.

Across those 43 students, 17 were Honor Graduates for achieving a 3.333 GPA or higher, 14 were recognized for completing community service, four were recognized for completing the Red Cross service and two were members of the East Union Honor Society.

Those two students, Kelsie Claiser and Tristin Lear, would address the class of 2026 in the senior address.

Claiser, that year’s valedictorian, reflected on the four years of high school.

“We entered high school unsure of who we were or where we belonged,” Claiser said. “And somehow, over the past four years, in between all the chaos, the stress and the small everyday moments, we found ourselves. We found our people, those who stood beside us, supported us and made even the hardest days a little easier.

“We discovered hidden talents, new passions and pieces of who we are that we’ll carry with us long after today. It’s hard to believe that something that once felt so permanent will soon only be a memory.”

Claiser said the days of students waiting for their last year to be over might be the days they’ll miss the most. The silly routines and friendships made during their time at school will be remembered, even if they don’t remember the ins and outs of “Of Mice and Men.”

“As I finish up today, I hope all of you chase your dreams, no matter how unrealistic they may seem,” Claiser said. “Never let anyone trap you inside of their ‘realistic’ mental cage. Find your reason my friends, we all can do great things.”

Lear continued the encouragement. Her speech focused on challenging the path ahead, never letting hardship or doubt cloud success.

“Growing up isn’t just about getting older; it’s about learning who we are, discovering our strengths, and embracing the challenges that shape us,” Lear said. “Each of us has faced moments of doubt and moments of triumph, and through it all, we’ve grown stronger and more confident. As we step forward into the next chapter, let’s carry with us the pride of knowing that we have become capable, resilient, and ready to make a difference.”

This year’s graduation ceremony wasn’t just a goodbye to another year of students. 2026 would be the last year for Elementary Principal Joan Gordon and Superintendent Tim Kuehl.

Kuehl spoke to the achievements of Gordon during the graduation ceremony.

“[Gordon’s] known for her incredible organization, her ability to secure important grants for STEM and other programs and her vision that turned ideas into reality,” Kuehl said. “We’re especially grateful for the milestones she’s most proud of: overseeing the construction of our elementary building, guiding our students and families through the challenges of the pandemic with strength and compassion, implementing the four day school week, creating wonderful elementary playgrounds and strengthening STEM instruction across the school.”

Kuehl, retiring as the joint superintendent between East Union and the Murray Community School District, was given his own moment of recognition. Board President Carol Eckels congratulated him on many years across multiple school districts as a teacher and administrator.

“Congratulations on a well earned retirement and thank you for the leadership, heart and service you’ve given to our communities,” Eckels said.

The East Union Graduating Class of 2026 includes:

Thayden Christopher Baker, Sienna Marie Berry, Mary Jo Brammer, Josie Alaina Chew, Kelsie Lynn Claiser, Morgan Jay Cooley, Alleah Michaelle Cunningham, Noah James Driskill, Logan Archer Findley, Quynn Sarah Foster, Alexis Helen Goodemote, Floyd Evan Hardie, Zachary Dean Holtmyer, Austin Dean Jackson, Brock Steven Jones, Pheolan Wade Kelly, Kyson Jack Kessler, Gavin Wayne Landers, Julian Lara, Tristin Nicole Lear, Ceirra Lenn Lowe, Christa Jo Lowe, Zayley Marie Martin, Paul Henry McNeill, Joselyn Abagaile McWilliams, Waylon Anders Means, Sierra Erin Mick, Gaige Michael Mohr, Elijah Shawn Mulkey, Gwendalyn Marie Nixon, Jase Anthony Pettit, Lane Russell Pollard, Wyatt Michael Proffitt, Ronald Wade Riemenschneider, Tristan Lynn Scholtus, Vincent Alexander Schulze-Wischeler, Kayli Lynn Shade, Ian James Sutton, Clayton William Toppin, Jonathan Alexander Trisler, Slade Michael Turner, Haley Jean Willett, Dutin James Yarrington.