For four years at Montgomery County High School, Nadine Thomas was successful in the classroom.

She got all A’s.

“I worked very hard in school,” Thomas said.

The hard work definitely paid off for Thomas at the MCHS graduation ceremony in the afternoon of May 22 at the high school gymnasium. She not only got a diploma, but she also was recognized as one of nine students who were in the top 10 percent in the senior class.

“It felt great to be up there, knowing I did well,” Thomas said.

Thomas was one of 77 students who graduated from MCHS. She said she’s now looking forward to going to Truman State University, where she will share a room with another MCHS graduate, Grace Lovell.

“I’m very excited for next year,” said Thomas, who received 10 scholarships.

The graduation ceremony was held at the high school gym for the first time in three years. It was held at Jim Blacklock Field in each of the last two years.

Hailey Terry, who was a member of the MCHS FFA chapter, said she was happy to receive her diploma in front of a large crowd at the high school gym.

“It’s one of the first big achievements that you get in high school,” Terry said. “It means a lot. It’s a big honor.”

Makenzie Woods was the last student to receive a diploma. She received it from her father, John, who is a member of the R-II school board.

Woods is one of 13 MCHS students who will be going to St. Charles Community College next year.

“Originally, I chose there because they have a social work program,” Woods said. “But I switched from social work to elementary education. After that, I’m probably going to go to Missouri State.”

Two of the graduates made speeches at the ceremony, Trenton Clardy and William Deering. Clardy will join Thomas and Lovell at Truman State, while Deering will be one of 12 MCHS students who will be heading to State Technical College in Linn.

In his eight-minute speech titled, “Our Golden Opportunity,” Clardy gave some advice to the graduates.

“Understand that no matter what your circumstances are, no matter what obstacles you face and no matter what you have done in the past, you can all do something great,” said Clardy, who was a member of the school’s football team.

Deering made a six-minute speech that was titled, “What Did We Learn In High School?”

“What did I learn in my four years in high school? I learned to study hard, laugh with your friends, take it slow, be kind to each other and, above all, never forget to be yourself,” Deering said.

Later, R-II Superintendent Dr. Tracy Bottoms recognized the students who finished in the top 10 percent. Besides Thomas, Bryce Eoff, Dawson McCown, Ethan Rakers, Brooke River, Makenna Schmidt, Heather Stille, Terry and Lovell also received the big honor. All of them received medals.

Thomas didn’t participate in any after-school activities. She said her main focus every day was hitting the books.

“I put in a lot of work and do homework after school,” Thomas said.

Terry, who performed the benediction at the end of the ceremony, said she enjoyed her four years at MCHS.

“I got to go and do so many first things,” Terry said. “I went on an airplane for the first time. I went on trips for the first time with everybody. I had so many first times here. I spoke in front of a crowd. I got to speak at my own graduation.”