WILLOW SPRINGS — High school graduation season in Howell County kicked off Friday as 66 Bears were awarded diplomas at Munford Gymnasium at Willow Springs High School.
Outgoing Superintendent Dr. Marty Spence opened the evening, reflecting on the weight of the milestone. “We throw the word commencement around a lot this time of year, but it simply means ‘new beginning,’” he said. “Graduation is perhaps one of the most bittersweet moments of our lives. It’s the end of childhood and the beginning of the adventure of the adult life.”
Spence recounted historic events from 2013, when the graduates entered kindergarten. “I know for some of you this moment took forever to arrive, but I assure you for your families it truly happens in a blink,” he said. “The saying that the days are long but the years are short really is true.”
Following remarks by Class President Marcus King, Sydney Stuart was announced as salutatorian. In her address, Stuart highlighted the bond between classmates and encouraged them to remain courageous as they move into “uncharted territory.”
“This is just the starting point, and what comes next is bigger and louder than anything we have ever faced inside of these walls,” Stuart said.
Valedictorian Karis Cochran followed with an address themed “the book of our lives.” She dedicated her speech to the mentors who guided the class and offered a tribute to two faculty members who passed away during the students' time in the district: gifted education teacher Margaret Wood, who retired before her death in 2026, and second grade teacher Bre Lovan, who died in 2022.
“We’ve laughed together, we’ve cried together, we’ve stressed together, but most importantly we’ve lived together these past 12 years,” Cochran said.
The district recognized the top 10 graduates based on weighted grade point averages: Cochran, Stuart, Isabel Rothermich, Khila Smith, Chloe Jones, Dylan Ferguson, Holt McGinnis, Kevin Solik, Tobie Brotherton and Gabriel Kinsall.
The class was awarded a total of $908,120 in scholarships, including Missouri A+ tuition assistance and Southern Missouri Technical Institute (SoMo Tech) awards.
Before the presentation of diplomas, Principal Nick Schmitt challenged the graduates to maintain a “champion mindset.”
“A champion mindset is not about being gifted or talented; it’s about being prepared, focused, disciplined and having a deep, unshakable belief in yourself,” Schmitt said. “Refuse to be average. Refuse to be comfortable. I challenge you to set an example, to be uncommon, and to inspire others with your actions.”
