Helanea McKenzie had many highlights during her four years at Wellsville-Middletown High School.

She was an honor student, played varsity all four years with the girls basketball team, was a Student Council president and was voted homecoming queen.

On May 15, McKenzie added another accomplishment. She got to make a graduation speech during the W-M graduation ceremony at the school’s gymnasium.

“We have finally reached the end,” McKenzie said. “After 13 years of walking through these halls, this chapter has come to a close.”

During her three-minute speech, McKenzie discussed her life being a student at the W-M R-1 School District for 13 years.

“I learned Wellsville-Middletown is more than a school,” McKenzie said. “It’s a safe place and home to many years of Tigers, a group of teachers and staff who care about you and push you more than you thought you could be pushed. They aren’t just teachers, but they’re truly they’re for you in all areas of life. They’re friends, mentors and supporters. To them, I say thank you for the countless hours ensuring that each and every student steps into this building feels welcomed and supported.”

There were 20 students who walked out of the W-M gym with a diploma. Out of those 20 students, eight of them were honors students. They were McKenzie, Kylie Allison, Rachel Davis, Abbie Freie, Jonathan Pike, Lorelei Smith, Brooke Stroup and Rilea Walker.

“Tonight is a night of celebration,” W-M Principal/Activities Director Kevin Oligschlaeger said. “It’s a night to recognize your hard work, growth, memories and accomplishments. Class of 2026, you made it. No matter what path that brought you to this stage tonight, you should be proud of yourselves. You know I am proud.”

McKenzie earned the most scholarships out of all the students with 25. She received all of her scholarships during a senior recognition ceremony the night before.

Stroup, who will attend Maryville University next year, received 19 scholarships.

Walker received department awards in art and science and four scholarships and plans to attend St. Charles Community College. She said the best part of high school is graduating.

“I’m excited to get out of high school,” Walker said.

Isaac Todd also made a commencement speech. His topic is learning from failure every day.

“Remember how to laugh at yourself when things go wrong, remember how to learn from it, grow from it and keep going anyway,” Todd said. “In the end, failure is the one that holds you back. It’s what gives us something to laugh about and pushes you more.”

Todd got a late graduation present the following day. He qualified for the Class 1 state track meet in the discus after placing third in sectional competition.

Oligschlaeger has worked with the students since he joined the administrative staff three years ago. He said the students made his job fun.

“Those of you sitting here tonight have made a tremendous impact on me,” Oligschlaeger said. “You absolutely tested my patience at times. I think all of us in education would be lying if we said otherwise. But you also brought me a great deal of joy.”

McKenzie plans to attend Evangel University in Springfield next year. She said even though she’s going to a school that’s 190 miles away, she will never forget W-M.

“No matter what life takes us in life, Wellsville-Middletown will always be our home,” McKenzie said.