Freshman Haylee Weiss wins state diving title , breaks EHS record , PAGE 9

P R E S E N T I N G T H E C L A S S O F 2 0 1 6

By Melissa Lowery

Special to The Gazette

More than 250 students were awarded their high school diplomas at the Emporia High School Class of 2016 Commencement Sunday at William L . White Auditorium .

The EHS orchestra played “ Pomp and Circumstance ” as the red and black clad graduates promenaded to their seats . Vocal group Viva Voca sang an acapella rendition of “ Star Spangled Banner ” followed by the Chorale Seniors performing Michael Jackson ’ s “ Will You Be There .”

Class president Odalis Hernandez gave the commencement speech , taking a moment first to pay tribute to late classmate Alex Bedolla , who passed away in December . Hernandez encouraged her peers to be thankful for what they have learned and experienced during the past four years as they embark on the future .

As a reminder of the bond the class shared , Hernandez drew laughs by quoting a song from “ High School Musical .”

“ Remember , as the great philosophers Troy and Grabrielle said , ‘ We ’ re all in this together ,” she said .

Prior to presenting the diplomas , EHS principal Britton Hart announced some of the Class of 2016 ’ s impressive accomplishments .

This year ’ s EHS graduates were awarded $ 1.2 million in scholarships to continue their education , Hart said . Thirty-eight of the seniors earned at least a 3.5 GPA , 19 are members of the National Honor Society , three are Governor ’ s Scholars , and 16 earned the designation of Kansas State Scholar , achieving a 3.9 GPA throughout high

school and a composite score of at least 30 on their ACT . Four seniors were honored with the Principal ’ s Award of Excellence for achieving a 4.0 GPA during their high school career and / or earning the National Merit Scholar designation .

Thirteen of the day ’ s graduates are members of AVID , Advancement Via Individual Determination , a college readiness system for elementary through higher education that is designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance . The AVID College Readiness System ( ACRS ) accelerates student learning , uses research based methods of effective instruction , provides meaningful and motivational professional learning , and acts as a catalyst for systemic reform and change . All 13 AVID graduates are continuing on to higher education , and all 13 will be the first person in their respective families to do so . Alfredo Vazquez is one of

Please see EHS , Page 3

By Melissa Lowery

Special to The Gazette

Flint Hills Technical College presented 221 students with diplomas and certificates at the 2016 Spring Commencement exercises on Saturday . Held at William L . White Auditorium , the ceremony was energetic and optimistic .


The graduates were met with cheers , applause and camera flashes as they processed into the auditorium . Jeff Devilbiss , Power Plant Technology Instructor , and Robert Sieberns , Automotive Technology Instructor , performed the national anthem .

FHTC President Dr .

Dean Hollenbeck gave opening remarks welcoming friends and family to the event , congratulating the students on their achievements and commenting on their bright futures .

“ Congratulations to the graduates ,” Hollenbeck said . “ It ’ s been a long , grueling road for some of you , I know . We ’ re happy and proud that you ’ re part of the FHTC family . Welcome to the workforce ! You ’ re all going to get jobs , and we ’ re excited about that , too .”

Hollenbeck then introduced Krisanne Karr , a member of the Student Senate and National Technical Honor Society . She earned a technical certificate in Business Administrative Technology , graduating with highest honors , and was selected as the class speaker .

Please see FHTC , Page 3

P H O T O S B Y J A N B U C K M A N / S P E C I A L T O T H E G A Z E T T E

Melissa Lowery Special to The Gazette

The 23rd annual Emporia Flatland Cruisers car show brought out car enthusiasts by the dozens on Saturday .

Commercial Street was closed from the 800 to 1100 blocks as crowds strolled around examining cars of various vintages lining both sides of the street .

Approximately 150 vehicles were on display this year , from rusty works in progress to gleaming , fully restored classics . Hot rods and modern vehicles were also parked and open for inspection .

Joe Gast and his wife , Penny , of Scranton , brought his 1931 Ford Model A truck , marking its Emporia car show debut . Joe ’ s father , Ron , purchased the truck about 25 years ago and restored it with a friend , who is a welder . The elder Gast passed away in 2014 , and the truck passed to his son .

The truck has become a fixture in the Scranton community and the Gast family . It regularly appears in local parades and car shows , and served as the “ getaway car ” at both of the Gast children ’ s weddings .

“ It is kind of hard to fit a big wedding dress and a groom in the cab ,” Penny Gast said with a chuckle . “ But the pictures are gorgeous .”

Although his father and his friend did most of the restoration work themselves , Joe helped with some of the detail work like sanding down

Please see Car Show , Page 3

VOL . 124 , NO . 278

Joe Gast stands with his truck . The truck has served as the “ getaway vehicle ” for two of the Gast children following their wedding .

PHOTOS BY MELISSA LOWERY / SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

The Emporia Gazette

Representative Don Hill is removing his name from the ballot for re-election to the Kansas House of Representatives . Hill has served seven terms .

“ I will be retiring from my service in the legislature after completing my seventh term at the end of this year ,” Hill said . “ It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Emporia and the surrounding area . During my tenure of service I have trusted my constituents and my heart is full of gratitude for the

Hill

trust and support I have received in return .”

Hill says the first 10 years of his service in the legislature was impactful .

“ Much was accomplished during the first 10 years of my service , only to have been undermined during the last four years ,” Hill said . “ I believe Kansas needs a transformative change , which will come in the near future .”

Though Kansas is struggling , Hill says that Emporia is on the right track .

Please see Hill , Page 3