When Brian Ernst took over principal duties at Montgomery County High School four years ago, he was looking forward to working with his first freshman class, which had about 70 students.
On May 17, he got to see them all graduate.

MCHS had 78 students receive their diplomas at its commencement ceremony, held at the school’s gymnasium. Ernst said he enjoyed working with this year’s senior class, which had seven students named to the Academic Hall of Fame and earned scholarships totaling over a million dollars.

“I’m grateful for the effort, respect and contributions shown by this group throughout their high school career,” Ernst said. “This cohort leaves a legacy, a lasting impression that will be remembered as they pursue their future endeavors.”

The one-hour ceremony had three seniors make their commencement speeches – Emily Clark, Chase Queathem and Sonder Cole.

Clark, who was a member of the FCCLA and Student Council groups, talked about how she and her classmates are ready for the future.

“Right now, there are over 70 graduates waiting to move on to the next chapter of their lives,” said Clark, who will be heading to St. Charles Community College next year. “Whether it’s college, work or the military, we all have been anxiously waiting for this next step.”

Queathem became the sixth member of his family to graduate from MCHS. He had an outstanding athletic career that included all-Eastern Missouri Conference awards in football and baseball and a trip to the Class 3 Show-Me Basketball Showdown in his sophomore year.

In his four-minute speech titled, “Life Is Like Hunting,” Queathem talked about how hunting has played a big influence in his life.

“As we walk across this stage, we find that our hunting has been successful,” said Queathem, who will be attending State Technical College next year. “But it doesn’t end today. There is always more than we can hunt, whether that being a dream of living in the big city, getting your dream job, starting your own business or even paying off your last mortgage payment.”

Cole was a member of the school’s band and choir groups. In February, he played the lead role of Orpheus in MCHS’ production of Hadestown: Teen Edition.

Cole said graduation day was something he was looking forward to since middle school.

“Today is the day where we say goodbye to this chapter of our lives and today is the day we get to say we made it,” said Cole, who plans to attend Truman State University. “We have reached the end of this chapter, but that doesn’t mean we can go back and relive it. All of the memories and the experiences you had in three or four years here or less or more will forever be with you.”

Ahzayla Atterberry enjoyed an outstanding senior year in the classroom that helped her earn three scholarships and a Summa Cum Laude medal. Atterberry received her scholarships during senior recognition night on May 13.

“I was happy about scholarship night,” Atterberry said. “I was happy I was able to get what I got. I was very grateful just for everything. The people here have been great, especially the teachers and the staff. They made this place what it is.”

Atterberry, who will attend St. Charles Community College next year, credits language arts teacher Julie Ellis for her academic achievements.

“I feel like she’s always on our shoulder, encouraging us to take these dual credit classes and make sure we stay on top of our grades,” Atterberry said. “She’s really good at keeping up with that.”

Ernst worked at the Wright City School District for 11 years before being hired as the MCHS principal in 2022. A total of 310 students graduated from the school during his tenure.

Ernst said all of this year’s seniors were successful during their four years at MCHS.

“The Class of 2026 made its mark as Wildcats, just as each cohort as before then and generations will in the future,” Ernst said.