Jefferson R-VII School District

Without a doubt, this class has shown dedication to academics, excellence and perseverance.  We look around at these seniors and see future engineers, nurses, business leaders, and technology experts. These young people leave JHS with a solid educational foundation to build upon.

Elected Senior Class Officers:

Treasurer: Carter Vaughn

Secretary: Hunter Bushnell

Vice President: Nolan Naucke

President: Bronwyn Roesch

Student Council senior executive officers for the 2024-25 school year:

Secretary, Caleb Wigger

President, Mallory Wilkey

Army National Guard:

• Jace Dowd

• Wyatt Place

• Alexander Roth

United States Air Force:

• Lacy Clatto

This scholarship was established in memory of Tye and Scott Edwards. The Edwards family has a long standing presence in our school district and they are proud to recognize JOSIE CLONTS as the 2025 Tye and Scott Edwards scholarship winner.

The Southern Gateway Association of Realtors gives a scholarship to a deserving high school senior every year. This year MITCHELL OBERMEYER is the recipient of this $250 scholarship.

Congratulations to MALLORY WILKEY for being selected as the Jefferson High School DAR Good Citizen recipient.

The Daughters of the American Revolution, Missouri Louisiana Purchase chapter selects one student among the area high school recipients to be their scholarship winner. MALLORY WILKEY was the DAR scholarship recipient this year, receiving a $500 scholarship.

Brenda J. Preston was an educator at R-7 for over 25 years. In honor of her memory the Brenda J. Preston Memorial Scholarship was established. The 2025 recipient of the Brenda J. Preston scholarship has been awarded to MITCHELL OBERMEYER based on his merit, community service and dedication to mentoring others.

The English department is pleased to present a scholarship in the amount of $250 to a senior who has excelled in the area of English. This scholarship is possible due to the fundraising efforts of the department, specifically Mrs. Guffey for her hard work organizing the annual Mr. JHS show. This year’s recipient is CARLEIGH COOK.

The Festus-Crystal City Elks Lodge #1721 has awarded the Benevolent and Protective order of Elks of the United States of America scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to MADELYN BARBAGALLO, ADDISON BRUNTS, CALEB WIGGER, CARLEIGH COOK & LANDON WEISS.

The Lyly Koenig Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Lyly Koenig. These scholarships were made possible by the support of our community through our Annual Hoops for Hope Event. We are awarding two scholarships in the amount of $500 each to two graduating R-7 seniors who have the courage to live, love and laugh. The two recipients of the Lyly Koenig Memorial Scholarship are WYATT MCDANIEL and MALLORY WILKEY.

The Elks National Foundation provides Legacy Scholarships to children and grandchildren of Elks members. As part of this scholarship, recipients are required to perform acts of service at an Elks Lodge during the 4 years they receive this $4,000 scholarship. The ENF Legacy Scholarship recipients are BRONWYN ROESCH and CARLEIGH COOK.

The Jefferson R-7 MSTA and MNEA chapters have established a scholarship fund in an effort to assist JHS students achieve postsecondary goals. These scholarships are in the amount of $500 each and the recipients are MARGARET WRIGLEY and JILLIAN CORNMAN.

Nagel Go Red Healthcare Scholarship. Ashleigh Nagel, a JHS PE and Health teacher and varsity volleyball coach, suffered sudden cardiac arrest in July 2018. With help from the community and donations, the family has established a scholarship that will go to graduating JHS seniors pursuing an education in the healthcare field. This is the 7th year the family has given this scholarship. This year the recipients are CARLEIGH COOK and MALLORY WILKEY.

The JHS Music Boosters Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding senior who has dedicated themselves to the music department in either band, choir or both throughout their high school career. The JHS Music Boosters Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 is being awarded to ADDISON BRUNTS. 

The Blue Jay Foundation is pleased to announce that with the money raised through scholarship fundraising events that they are awarding a $300 scholarship. The recipient of the Blue Jay Foundation Spirit of Community Scholarship is MALLORY WILKEY.

The Blue Jay Foundation and the staff at R-7 would like to recognize a student with a $300 scholarship who took advantage of the opportunities JHS has to offer and plans to continue his postsecondary education at the University of Missouri-Columbia. This scholarship goes to NATHAN EDINGTON.

We would like to recognize CARTER VAUGHN for attending the Audrey Walton Youth Leadership Conference in the summer of 2024. This program promotes the importance of leadership, physical fitness, higher education, and a healthy lifestyle.

The Heather Schnitzler Pre-K Graduate Scholarship was set up and funded by the proceeds of the District’s Annual Pink Week Event in Fall of 2022.  In 2014, Mrs. Schnitzler was diagnosed with PAH (pulmonary arterial hypertension). She wanted some of the funds from Pink Week to give back to seniors in the form of a scholarship. To be eligible for this scholarship, students had to have attended the Jefferson R-7 Pre-K program. The recipients of the Heather Schnitzler Pre-K scholarship are JOSIE CLONTS and CALEB WIGGER.

The Hoops for Hope Scholarship was created and first awarded in the spring of 2024 after the annual Hoops for Hope Event.  Andrea Hammock saw a need to add additional scholarship opportunities for the seniors at JHS and felt that with the community's help, we could help with this need.  Andrea Hammock who began the annual Hoops for Hope fundraising event in 2015 during the basketball season unexpectedly passed away in June of 2024. She was the driving force behind Hoops for Hope and she would be honored that this scholarship continue with it being renamed in her honor and memory. The fundraising and support of our community made 4 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 possible. The recipients of this scholarship were chosen on their reflection of giving to others, showing gratitude to those around them and their passion to continue in their chosen field of study.  Andrea’s daughters Caitlin and Allison are honored to help others in a way they know their mom would love. They want to continue the scholarship for their mom so she will be remembered as the woman who wanted to help everyone. The Andrea’s Hoops for Hope Scholarship recipients are: SAEJ BADER, CARLEIGH COOK,  BRONWYN ROESCH and MALLORY WILKEY.

The Debbie Blaha Memorial Scholarship is in memory of  Mrs. Debbie Blaha. She was an elementary teacher in the R-7 School District for 33 years. The Debbie Blaha Memorial Scholarship is for the amount of $1000.00. The recipient of this scholarship goes to MALLORY WILKEY.

The Jefferson R-7 Parent Teacher Organization works incredibly hard throughout the year to raise money that directly benefits our JHS students. Jefferson R-7 PTO will award 4 scholarships in the amount of $500.00 each. 

PTO established the Making a Difference scholarship to recognize a JHS graduate with emphasis on Leadership and Civic mindedness. Congratulations DELANA EPPERSON for being awarded the PTO Making a difference scholarship. 

The Blue Jay All the Way Scholarship is designed to recognize students who have attended R-7 from kindergarten through the 12th grade. Congratulations to CARLEIGH COOK for being awarded the PTO Blue Jay All The Way Scholarship.

The Jo Ellen Murphy Scholarship is awarded to one JHS graduate attending Jefferson College. Congratulations to CALEB WIGGER for being awarded the PTO Jo Ellen Murphy Scholarship. 

Congratulations BRONWYN ROESCH for being awarded the PTO Blue Jay Dollar Scholarship.

The High School Scholarship Program for Red Cross Service is sponsored by the Red Cross. The Red Cross scholarships in the amount of $750 are being awarded to MEGAN WOOD and CARTER VAUGHN.

The Festus/Crystal City Rotary Club honors one senior from each local school for each month of the school year. These students attended the local Twin City Rotary meetings on Tuesdays with a Jefferson administrator at the Festus/Crystal City Elks. The following 2025 graduates were recognized as Rotary students of the month: 

• September - MALLORY WILKEY

• October - AYLA KARCH

• November - MEGAN WOOD

• December - MARGARET WRIGLEY

• January - CALEB WIGGER

• February - DELANA EPPERSON

• March - MAVERICK GOODWIN

• April - CARTER VAUGHN

• May - REESE HUMPHREY

The Festus/Crystal City Rotary also sponsors students from our area to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy. The Academy is designed to identify and enhance the qualities of Servant Leadership for each participant. The Class of 2025 students who attended RYLA are:  MALLORY WILKEY and BRONWYN ROESCH

Starting in 2025, the Festus-Crystal City Elks Post #1721 began a Student of the Month Program. Their goal is to recognize students who demonstrate leadership and integrity in their community. Elks Students of the Month were presented with a certificate and a $75 gift card from the Festus-Crystal City Elks Post #1721. The following 2025 graduates were recognized as the Elks Students of the Month:

• January - MALLORY WILKEY

• February - CARLEIGH COOK

• March - MITCHELL OBERMEYER

• April - REESE HUMPHREY

The Shelter Insurance Foundation Scholarships winners were selected by an impartial committee who considered academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, moral character, and education goals. These six $1,500 Scholarships are made possible by the Shelter Insurance Foundation, a non-profit corporation created for charitable and educational purposes, Kevin Epperson and Ricky Watson, agents for Shelter Insurance Companies. The scholarship winners are: CLAIRE GOODWIN, REESE HUMPHREY, CECELIA OTT, CARTER VAUGHN, MALLORY WILKEY, and MARGARET WRIGLEY.

The Shelter Insurance Foundation provides a scholarship program for children of employees and agents. DELANA EPPERSON was awarded a $3,000 scholarship from the Shelter Insurance Foundation.

Each year the Twin City Area Optimist Club of Festus/Crystal City celebrates Youth Appreciation Week during the month of April. This student was selected based on personal character and dedication to excellence. Congratulations to CARLEIGH COOK on this recognition.

Nurse Wanager was a school nurse at JHS for several years and prior to that she had been a substitute nurse for the R-7 School District. Her love of nursing and her love of the students prompted her to develop a scholarship for students who have a passion and a goal to become a nurse. She is hoping that this $1,000 scholarship will help a student achieve their goal to be a nurse. The 2025 Nurse Wanager Scholarship is being awarded to JOSIE CLONTS.

The Veterans of Foreign War hold an audio essay contest every year called the VFW Voice of Democracy. The theme of the contest was “Why is the Veteran Important”. In an audio essay titled, “Veterans are Crucial for America’s Future”, CARLEIGH COOK earned 2nd place in the VFW Voice of Democracy contest and received a $200 award. 

The Amateur Trapshooting Association awards an Integrity Scholarship based on the applicant's dedication to both education and community involvement. MALLORY WILKEY was awarded this scholarship in the amount of $2,500. 

The Robert "Popeye" Duren Memorial Scholarship is given in honor of Popeye's long history within the R-7 community. Popeye was an outdoorsman that loved to hunt, fish and trap as well as the shooting sports. He presented his pelts from trapping for countless years at Telegraph Intermediate during the annual Missouri Day events. Seniors must be a part of the Archery Team for a minimum of 2 years and during their senior year. The Duren family is presenting 3 - $350 scholarships this year to ADDISON BRUNTS, OLIVIA KENTCH and AIDEN DOWD.

The Missouri Association of Student Councils is a statewide student leadership organization to which JHS is a proud member.  Each year MASC recognizes outstanding student leaders by awarding the MASC Distinguished Student Leader Award to graduating seniors who demonstrate superior Student Council leadership skills. This year JHS is proud to announce that MALLORY WILKEY is one out of only 102 students state-wide to be named as a MASC Distinguished Student Leader. 

STATE RECOGNITION

Missouri Bright Flight is a scholarship and recognition program designed by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to reward students with high ACT scores. Qualifying scores must be in the top 95th percentile of all ACT/SAT scores for the previous year. For the Class of 2025 this score moved to a 31 for Tier 1 - up to a $1,000 scholarship and 32 or higher for Tier 2 - up to a $3,000 scholarship.  

Students receiving the Missouri Department of Higher Education Bright Flight Scholarship are:  ADDISON BRUNTS, CARLEIGH COOK, ANDREW HIGH, GAVIN MEYER, CARTER VAUGHN, and CALEB WIGGER.

Missouri American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and Missouri American Legion Boys State are summer leadership opportunities for young women and men who are entering their senior year.   Candidates are evaluated on their leadership abilities, interest in government, service to others, and academics. ANNA CAROLINE SENKEL served as the representative at Missouri Girls State last summer.

The Missouri Scholars Academy is a three-week academic program for 330 of Missouri's gifted students who are ready to begin their junior year in high school.  The academy is a residential program at the University of Missouri. The academy reflects Missouri's desire to strive for excellence in education at all levels.  CARLEIGH COOK was nominated and selected to attend MSA during the summer of 2023. 

The Missouri Scholars 100 is for a select group of Missouri’s most capable high school seniors. Nominated students are recognized for exceptional scholarship, citizenship, and reliability. Jefferson’s nominee for the Missouri Scholars 100 was CARTER VAUGHN, where he earned the Missouri Scholars 100 Honorable Mention.

ATHLETIC AWARDS

It has become a standing tradition to recognize JHS student-athletes who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, talent, and perseverance by earning 8 (or more) varsity letters in 3 (or more) different sports during their high school career. In recognition of their achievements, recipients are permanently commemorated on the Blue Jay Elite Wall, a tribute to their lasting legacy in Blue Jay athletics. The newest members of the Blue Jay Elite from the Class of 2025 are:  NATHAN EDINGTON, CLAIRE GOODWIN, CECELIA OTT, and MEGAN WOOD.

The Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award: AVA NOBLES.

The Marine Corps Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) Award for Musical Excellence: ETHAN VANDIVER. 

The Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award: CARTER VAUGHN and MALLORY WILKEY.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete Award is given to one senior who excels both in the classroom and in athletics. The student must be in the top 25% of the senior class academically and also play at least one Varsity sport. This year's St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete Award winner is MEGAN WOOD. 

The Missouri State High School Activities Association actively promotes Good Sportsmanship throughout all High School Activity Contests. MSHSAA recognizes one female and one male Athlete from each MSHSAA school for their exemplary display of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity with the MSHSAA Award of Excellence. The 2025 JHS MSHSAA Award of Excellence recipients are CLAIRE GOODWIN and NOLAN NAUCKE.

The Heart of the Team Award was created by the Larry Blaha Family as a scholarship to assist student athletes in continuing their education after high school. This is not a senior only award as it is voted on every year by the football team. The team votes for a member of the football team that is viewed by other players as reliable, hard-working, a leader and someone that the team can count on. Each recipient receives a plaque at the football banquet and $500 scholarship from The Blaha Family. This young man was voted by his teammates. The Heart of the Team recipient for the 2024 football season and earning a $500 scholarship is KARSON HAEFNER.

The Bluejay Balance Athletic award honors a male and female senior student-athlete who has exemplified the true spirit of the Blue Jay—soaring high through dedication, resilience, and excellence. The recipient has achieved an exceptional balance between academics and athletics, mastering the demands of both with integrity and grace. Their journey reflects not just talent, but discipline and heart—a rare and inspiring combination. The recipients of this award are: MADELYN BARBAGALLO and MAVERICK GOODWIN.

JHS experienced a successful year in all of its athletic programs this school year.  The class of 2025 played a huge role in many of our accomplishments. The JHS Senior Athlete Award is voted on by all the Varsity Coaches at JHS. This award is given to one male and one female of the senior class. The Athletic Department is awarding a $500 scholarship to each winner.  The female senior Athlete Award goes to MEGAN WOOD and the male senior Athlete Award goes to LANDON WEISS.

DEPARTMENT AWARDS

JHS department awards are given out to the most outstanding student in that department.  Students will be recognized for their efforts in that particular subject over the course of their high school career. 

 Art - CAMIAH MANUEL  is a naturally talented artist with a strong work ethic. She is a creative thinker with an eye for details. Camiah has the ability to draw on her own experience and observations to develop conceptual pieces of artwork. Camiah has a very methodical, creative process, and she always develops her concepts thoughtfully. In addition, her skills of craftsmanship are highly developed. Camiah has become a leader in the fine arts because of her technical skills in wet and dry media.

Band - ETHAN VANDIVER has grown into a fine musician and leader in the band program. 

Business - DELANA EPPERSON'S dedication to learning, not to just get by, but to know the material is uncanny. She questions things because she wants to know more. She has a business sense that will take her far in whatever path she decides to follow.

Choir - AYLA KARCH has been a dedicated member of the choir for 6.5 years. She has been an instrumental part of the choir program assisting with many extras in lighting, sound, and leadership. Ayla auditioned and was selected for the All-District High School Honor Choir 2024.

English - The English department is proud to recognize CARLEIGH COOK for the 2025 English department award. Carleigh is an avid writer, a prolific reader and an overall lover of books. She has maintained high A’s in all of her high school and dual-credit English classes. She excels in writing, producing nearly flawless essays, and is able to easily comprehend higher-level text.

Family Consumer Sciences - ISAIAH TINALL is being awarded the Family and Consumer Sciences Award.  Isaiah is polite, kind, and courteous.  He is always on time and uses his time wisely.  He goes above and beyond the expectations of work that is expected out of him from basic measurements to Nature Inspired Homes.  He never complains about the objective given, he may not like it, but never complains.  I am honored for Isaiah to receive the FCS Award and wish him nothing but the best.

Industrial Technology - BRUCE DIX has demonstrated great skill in woodworking over the last several years in Industrial Arts. He has created a variety of quality projects using different woodworking equipment and techniques.   

Math -ADDISON BRUNTS has committed herself to the highest level of education of mathematics in her time at JHS, successfully completing all classes through Calculus I and Statistics. She has been motivated to obtain a deep knowledge of the material and possesses a great mind for problem-solving. Addy has a strong aptitude with all things math related and has achieved extremely high levels in her courses and on the ACT.

PE - This year's physical education department award goes to JACOB WATKINS. In his strength & conditioning classes, Jake has consistently increased his maxes. He takes his time in the weight room seriously and it has paid off for him in his athletics as well. He is a great leader and role model for the younger students in his class and helps show them how to do it the right way. Jake also has above 95% attendance for summer weights. He is a determined hard working individual who is so much fun to be around.

Science - We are pleased to present the Science Department Award to GAVIN MEYER in recognition of his exceptional abilities and dedication to the field of science. Gavin is a critical thinker and a skilled problem solver who consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic in all his endeavors.

His commitment to academic excellence is evident through his enrollment in honors and dual credit classes, where he has excelled and challenged himself. Gavin's passion for the sciences and his determination to pursue a career in this field highlight his potential for future success.

Social Studies - MAVERICK GOODWIN was attentive and had a great understanding of the topics. He shows great work ethic, and is always very personable. Maverick was a leader in class with his respectful demeanor and always brought thoughtful discussions to the room. 

Theater - LOGAN CAMPBELL joined the theater just this year and has already made a big impact. From the very beginning, he showed up with commitment, a positive attitude, and a willingness to give every activity his best effort—even when it wasn’t exactly his favorite! He’s dependable and hardworking. Whether it's learning lines, rehearsing scenes, or practicing a dance, he embodies the spirit of theater.

World Language - MALLORY WILKEY has always had her work turned in on time and submits quality work.

ACADEMIC AWARDS

Earning the A+ scholarship is a 4 year experience for students. 95% attendance, 2.5 GPA, good citizenship capped off by a valuable tutoring experience here in our district. The 2025 JHS graduates meeting the A+ requirements are:  Saej Bader, Madelyn Barbagallo, Jase Berry, Jacob Brunts, Hunter Bushnell, Robert Cannon, Josie Clonts, Jillian Cornman, Aiden Dowd, Payton Easter, Nathan Edington, DeLana Epperson, Claire Goodwin, Maverick Goodwin, Aubree Hall, Reese Humphrey, Ayla Karch, Olivia Kentch, Mayci Kuechler, Wyatt McDaniel, Gavin Meyer, Jacob Naeger, Nolan Naucke, Ava Nobles, Mitchell Obermeyer, Cecelia Ott, Bronwyn Roesch, Alexander Roth, Carter Vaughn, Jacob Watkins, Madison Whited, Caleb Wigger, Mallory Wilkey, Megan Wood, and Margaret Wrigley.

At JHS, we celebrate students who are among the top students in the nation, earning a 30 or higher on the ACT. This accomplishment reflects focus, determination, and academic strength. To honor this achievement, these students are added to the Academic Wall of Excellence—a proud tradition that inspires future Blue Jays to aim high and work hard. The newest members of the Academic Wall of Excellence from the Class of 2025 are: ADDISON BRUNTS, ROBERT CANNON, CARLEIGH COOK, ANDREW HIGH, GAVIN MEYER, CARTER VAUGHN, and CALEB WIGGER.

JHS Students are recognized for their academic performance by earning an Academic Letter. This award is issued after 2 consecutive years of high school coursework earning a 3.0 cumulative GPA and earning no grade lower than a C. These students must also maintain good citizenship and show good character. Congratulations to the following students for earning an Academic letter: Saej Bader, Madelyn Barbagallo, Addison Brunts, Jacob Brunts, Hunter Bushnell, Robert Cannon, Josie Clonts, Carleigh Cook, Jillian Cornman, Jackie Darmody, Sophia Davis, Aiden Dowd, Jace Dowd, Payton Easter, Nathan Edington, DeLana Epperson, Claire Goodwin, Maverick Goodwin, Aubree Hall, Reese Humphrey, Olivia Kentch, Mayci Kuechler, Ben Letendre, Joe Manno, Camiah Manuel, Wyatt McDaniel, Gavin Meyer, Jacob Naeger, Nolan Naucke, Ava Nobles, Mitch Obermeyer, Lia Ott, Bronwyn Roesch, Mahayla Straussberg, Carter Vaughn, Jacob Watkins, Madison Whited, Caleb Wigger, Mallory Wilkey, Megan Wood, Maggie Wrigley.

JHS recognizes students who complete college preparatory coursework, maintain good citizenship, have 95% attendance over 4 years of high school and score at or above the 2024 National average on the ACT. College Preparatory work includes 2 years of foreign language and 2 or more core subject electives along with 4 years of math. These students must also maintain a 3.0 GPA in English, Math, Science and Social Studies core classes. The following students have met all of the requirements to earn the JHS College Prep Certificate: MADELYN BARBAGALLO, ADDISON BRUNTS, ROBERT CANNON, JOSIE CLONTS, CARLEIGH COOK, JILLIAN CORNMAN, SOPHIA DAVIS, AIDEN DOWD, NATHAN EDINGTON, DELANA EPPERSON, REESE HUMPHREY, OLIVIA KENTCH, WYATT MCDANIEL, GAVIN MEYER, NOLAN NAUCKE, AVA NOBLES, CECELIA OTT, BRONWYN ROESCH, CARTER VAUGHN, MADISON WHITED, CALEB WIGGER, MALLORY WILKEY, MEGAN WOOD, MARGARET WRIGLEY.

The following students will be receiving their Associate Degree as well as their high school diplomas this spring.

Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Jefferson College: 

ADDISON BRUNTS - ASSOCIATE OF ARTS

CARLEIGH COOK - ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY

Graduating Cum Laude from Jefferson College: 

BENJAMIN LETENDRE - ASSOCIATE OF ARTS

Graduating from Jefferson College: 

SOPHIA DAVIS - ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY

NATHAN EDINGTON - ASSOCIATE OF ARTS

National Honor Society is an elite recognition program open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.  The first requirement is to maintain high academic excellence earning a 3.4 or higher Cumulative Grade Point Average. Once students have sustained adequate academic achievements they are asked to apply for consideration into the program. This application process heavily scrutinizes the student’s character, leadership, and service. Once inducted students must maintain high academic, leadership, character, and service standards. The following students have met these requirements. 

National Honor Society Officers

President - DELANA EPPERSON

Vice President - MARGARET WRIGLEY

Secretary - MADELYN BARBAGALLO

Members: Saej Bader, Hunter Bushnell, Josie Clonts, Carleigh Cook, Jackie Darmody, Payton Easter, Claire Goodwin, Maverick Goodwin, Reese Humphrey, Wyatt McDaniel, Bronwyn Roesch, Carter Vaughn, Madison Whited, Caleb Wigger, Mallory Wilkey, Megan Wood, Gavin Meyer, and Aubree Hall

These students are also members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Tri-M is a high school music honor society and is a program of the National Association for Music Education. These students will receive a pink cord to be worn at graduation to honor their dedication and efforts within the music department: ADDISON BRUNTS, AYLA KARCH, CAMIAH MANUEL, and ETHAN VANDIVER.

The WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate measures and certifies the essential work skills needed for success in jobs across industries and occupations. The WorkKeys NCRC is issued at four levels; Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Our seniors earning an ACT Workkeys NCRC are: 

• Jacob Brunts - Platinum Level 

• Lacy Clatto - Silver Level

• Koda Cross - Silver Level

• Bruce Dix - Silver Level

• Aubree Hall - Silver Level

• Andrew High - Gold Level

• Mayci Kuechler - Gold Level

• Gavin Meyer - Platinum Level

• Gavin Murphy - Bronze Level

• Christian Rodriguez - Bronze Level

• Mahayla Straussberg - Silver Level

• Isaiah Tindall - Bronze Level

• Ethan Vandiver - Gold Level

JHS is recognizing students who have completed a program at the Area Technical School with a dark green cord to be worn at graduation. Congratulations to the following ATS Program Completers from the Class of 2025: 

• Madelyn Barbagallo - Health Services

• Jacob Brunts - Automotive Technology

• Chloe Burger - Health Services

• Aubree Hall - Digital Media Technology

• Andrew High - Digital Media Technology

• Olivia Kentch - Biomedical Science

• Mayci Kuechler - Health Services 

• Gavin Meyer - Metal Fabrication

• Mahayla Straussberg - Health Services

• Mallory Wilkey - Biomedical Science

Students who attend the Area Technical School and meet certain criteria may be eligible to apply for membership into the National Technical Honor Society.  Students who have a minimum of a 3.5 gpa at the ATS and a 3.0 gpa from their high school with a recommendation are considered.  This year we have two seniors who applied and have earned this honor.  Congratulations to AUBREE HALL and GAVIN MEYER on their inductions into the National Technical Honor Society. (NTHS) (purple/silver)

The 98th Missouri General Assembly passed legislation in 2016 which required the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Career Technical Education Advisory Council, to establish minimum requirements for a Career Technical Education (CTE) certificate a student can earn in addition to his or her high school graduation diploma. The requirements set forth by the State Board of Education are intended to provide students with the necessary technical and employability skills to be prepared for an entry-level career or additional training in a technical field. Students must meet all requirements in order to receive the CTE certificate. This student has met all of the requirements to earn a CTE Certificate. 

• Madeline Barbagallo - Health Science Education

• Jace Dowd - Family Consumer Science

• Aubree Hall - Business Education

• Andrew High - Business Education

• Olivia Kentch - Health Science

• Mayci Kuechler - Health Science

• Gavin Meyer - Technology & Engineering

• Mahayla Straussberg - Health Science

• Mallory Wilkey - Health Science

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education invites public school officials to honor Missouri’s outstanding high school seniors by presenting them with the George Washington Carver Award. This recognition is given to the top 10 of each high school’s graduating class. We are proud to recognize the JHS 2025 top 10 in alphabetical order: ADDISON BRUNTS, CARLEIGH COOK, AIDEN DOWD, DELANA EPPERSON, GAVIN MEYER, MADISON WHITED, CALEB WIGGER, MALLORY WILKEY, MEGAN WOOD, and MARGARET WRIGLEY.

JHS does not honor a valedictorian or salutatorian.  It was a collective decision by our school community to honor as many graduates as possible as well as allowing students to excel in multiple subject areas. JHS uses the cum laude system and we take great pride in honoring the following students.

Cum Laude meaning with Honors, earning a 3.0-3.59 GPA is represented by a  PLATINUM CORD : Andrew High, Anna Caroline Hardy Senkel, Camiah Manuel, Camille Schmitz, Hunter Bushnell, Jackie Darmody, Jacob Brunts, Jacob Naeger, Jacob Watkins, Jase Berry, Jillian Cornman, Joe Manno, Mahayla Straussberg, Maverick Goodwin, Nathan Edington, Nolan Naucke, Olivia Kentch, Payton Easter.

Magna Cum Laude meaning with Great Honor, earning a 3.6-3.99 GPA is represented by a BLACK CORD: Aiden Dowd, Aubree Hall, Ava Nobles, Ayla Karch, Ben Letendre, Bronwyn Roesch, Carleigh Cook, Carter Vaughn, Claire Goodwin, Gavin Meyer, Jace Dowd, Josie Clonts, Lia Ott, Madison Whited, Mady Barbagallo, Maggie Wrigley, Mayci Kuechler, Megan Wood, Mitch Obermeyer, Reese Humphrey, Robert Cannon, Saej Bader, Sophia Davis, and Wyatt McDaniel.

Summa Cum Laude meaning with Highest Honor, earning a 4.0 GPA is represented by a LIGHT BLUE CORD: Addison Brunts, Caleb Wigger, DeLana Epperson, and Mallory Wilkey.

The Class of 2025 has earned $363,000 in scholarships awarded for their first year of college and if the students are qualified to renew their scholarships they could earn an additional $893,000 throughout the next three years. In addition, these graduating seniors also take with them 993 college credit hours! Without a doubt these students have laid the foundation for the Blue Jays who follow.