While the COVID-19 pandemic greatly altered the second half of the Class of 2021’s high school careers, it didn’t stop the Washington Demons from achieving academically and in other areas.

Commencement was held Sunday afternoon at Case Field, where 116 graduates received their diplomas. Six valedictorians and one salutatorian were announced at the end of the ceremony, the most named in several years according to Curriculum Director Veta Thode. Taylor Brinning was named salutatorian, while Roy Carter, Sydney Cuddeback, Kellie Dallmeyer, Anna Miller, Hunter Rarick, and Josie Tanner all shared the top honor of earning a 4.0 GPA. Areil Mills, Cara Linnenkamp, Sydney Cuddeback, Josie Tanner, and Hannah Rees were all recognized for earning the most silver cord volunteer hours, while the class volunteered 6,124.35 hours collectively. Commencement also included speeches from graduates Anna Miller, Cameron Westphal, and Hunter Rarick.