Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on their graduation from the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District! We are beyond proud of you, and wish you the best as you move forward.
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At the 2026 Ste. Genevieve High School Graduation Ceremony, Principal Dr. John Boyd took time to recognize the many hands — both seen and unseen — that helped make the evening a memorable celebration.
Dr. Boyd applauded the work of Mr. Kenny Rapp and his woodworking classes, which now design and produce the special awards distributed during the ceremony. He also highlighted the work of students in Mr. Rapp’s School and Community Development Seminar class, who designed and created the beautifully lit stained-glass display cases recently installed near the front entrance of SGHS.
Special thanks were also extended to Mr. Tyson Roth and the School Development Seminar class for their continued efforts to enhance the appearance and branding of SGHS ahead of graduation. Among this year’s additions was a new picture collage documenting education at SGHS from 1945 to the present, along with a newly designed commons wall and the commemorative graphic displayed behind the stage during the ceremony.
Dr. Boyd also offered heartfelt appreciation to the district’s maintenance, custodial and technology departments, whose dedication and attention to detail help ensure a seamless and visually impressive event. “So much of what makes this evening possible happens behind the scenes,” he noted, “and we are incredibly grateful for the pride they bring to our school community.”
A significant moment in the ceremony came as Dr. Boyd thanked the more than 115 faculty and staff members who participated in honoring the graduating class. He spoke about the lasting impact educators have on students throughout their educational journey — from preschool and kindergarten classrooms through high school graduation.
As the ceremony began, faculty and staff members from across the district walked with the seniors in their caps and gowns, symbolizing the shared commitment to education and celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.
Later in the evening, Dr. Boyd reflected on the SGHS motto — “Family, Tradition and Excellence” — reminding graduates and guests that while graduation celebrates achievement and honors tradition, it also represents the support systems that helped students reach this milestone.
Addressing the graduating class, Dr. Boyd acknowledged the parents, grandparents, guardians, relatives and supporters who encouraged students throughout their educational journey. Graduates were then invited to leave their seats briefly to personally thank someone who had played an important role in helping them reach graduation day.
“To those family members and supporters here tonight — thank you,” Dr. Boyd shared following the recognition. “Your impact is evident in the young men and women seated before you. This moment belongs to you as much as it does to them.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, Dr. Boyd also reflected on the importance of tradition within the identity of Ste. Genevieve High School. He invited SGHS teacher Mr. Dustin Kueker to the stage to lead one of the school’s longtime graduation traditions, reminding students that no matter where life takes them after graduation, they will always carry a connection to SGHS.
Together, graduates, staff members and guests joined in the familiar “S-T-E G-E-N” chant before class officers returned to the stage one final time as students of SGHS to lead the singing of the school song and the traditional changing of the tassels.
Following the ceremonial cap toss, the Class of 2026 departed from the gymnasium as Ste. Genevieve High School’s newest alumni.
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See specific recognitions and awards from the ceremony below!
Salutatorian: Eleanor Sierra McKlin
Valedictorian: Gavin Nathaniel Gegg
Special Awards
Four special awards are presented at graduation to two girls and two boys in the senior class. These students are voted on by the entire high school teaching staff, and they represent outstanding characteristics such as: character, leadership, citizenship and scholarship. The recipients of the 2026 Danforth “I Dare You” awards are:
Eleanor McKlin
Luke Ferranto
The recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Senior Girl & Senior Boy awards are:
Outstanding Senior Girl: Abigail Woodard
Outstanding Senior Boy: Elijah Bennett
Instrumental and Vocal Music Awards
The recipients of the 2026 Instrumental and Vocal Music Awards are:
John Philip Sousa Award: Emily Merrifield
National Choral Award: Lucille Hunsley
Athletic Awards
The two recipients of the 2026 Athletic Awards are:
Armella Peterson Award for Outstanding Senior Female Athlete: Emma Gegg
Mal Kimmel Award for Outstanding Senior Male Athlete: Paul Taylor
Tri-M Music Honor Society
Members are selected by participating in various music activities, going above and beyond both musically and academically and volunteering their music abilities throughout the community. A member must also maintain an “A” in Band and / or Choir throughout high school. Members include:
Carter Hogenmiller
Lucille Hunsley
Marlena Lueken
Cecilia Mooney
Emily Merrifield
London White-Hume
National Honor Society
The Dragon chapter of the National Honor Society is the most prestigious of the co-curricular groups at the high school level. Members are selected by a faculty committee and reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership and service. All four areas are equally considered, and students selected for membership must continually strive to use their talents and skills for the improvement of society. Members include:
Jacey Bauman
Elijah Bennett
Luke Ferranto
Kennedi Fischer
Sophie Garcia
Emma Gegg
Vivian Kiefer
Allison Loudenback
Eleanor McKlin
Cecilia Mooney
Briana Pfaff
Abigail Woodard
National Art Honor Society
Members of the National Art Honor Society are selected based on outstanding ability in the visual arts, including participation in art shows, art sales, museum exhibitions and gallery exhibitions. Students must also receive teacher recommendations in the areas of creativity, dedication, service and character. In addition, students must earn an “A” average in Fundamentals of Art and maintain that average in each art course that follows. Members include:
Jacey Bauman
Alivia Bays
Kennedi Fischer
Vivian Kiefer
Miah Klein
Kyrah Kreitler
Trinity Monroe
Briana Pfaff
Linley Wehner
Thespian Honor Society
Students are inducted into the Ste. Genevieve Chapter 11956 of the International Thespian Honor Society by completing at least 100 hours of excellent theatrical work, the equivalent of 10 Thespian points. Students who demonstrate high academic achievement in their overall coursework are further recognized with the title of Scholar. Members include:
Caiden Breeden
Chloe Dixon
Jordyn Garrett-Grau
Tegan Graves
Josephine Guilford
Carter Hogenmiller
Millie Huffman
Lucille Hunsley
Tristian Keith
Marlena Lueken
Eleanor McKlin
Emily Merrifield
Isaiah Messer
Société Honoraire de Français (French Honor Society)
The Société Honoraire de Français is a national honor society established in 1949. To qualify as a member in the Ste. Genevieve chapter, students must be enrolled in French III or higher, have maintained a grade of A- or higher in French classes and have a total unweighted GPA of 3.2 or higher. Students must also volunteer five hours per school year in our local community with one of the French Colonial organizations. Members include:
Jacey Bauman
Eleanor McKlin
Student Council:
These students were selected by their peers to serve as leaders and are recognized for their dedication to service, school involvement and positive impact on the Ste. Genevieve community. Their leadership has been guided by the following four pillars: Inspire Greatness, Serve Others, Be More, and Lead. Through their commitment to leadership, collaboration and school spirit, they have helped strengthen the culture and traditions of SGHS while representing the student body with gusto throughout their high school career:
Elijah Bennett (Co-President)
Austin Hendrix
Millie Huffman (Executive Board Member)
Briana Pfaff
Abigail Woodard
A+ Schools Program
This is the 25th graduating class from Ste. Genevieve High School as A+ seniors. To meet the requirements of the A+ Schools Program, students must earn a 2.5 non-weighted cumulative grade point average, a 95% cumulative attendance average, a record of good citizenship, a score of Proficient or Advanced on the Algebra I End-Of-Course Exam or alternate qualifier and must have completed at least 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring. As certified A+ students, they are eligible for tuition assistance to attend any Missouri community college or vocational / technical school. These students include:
Alex Basler
Sawyer Bauman
Alivia Bays
Elijah Bennett
Damon Brooks
Carly Fernow
Luke Ferranto
Kennedi Fischer
Emma Gegg
Josephine Guilford
Carter Hogenmiller
Millie Huffman
Lucille Hunsley
Jeffrey Hunter
Lillian Kohler
Kyrah Kreitler
Allison Loudenback
Marlena Lueken
Abigail Merklin
Katelyn Moll
Taylor Peterson
Briana Pfaff
Talan Pinkley
Jacob Sulser
Chloe Tarrillion
Paul Taylor
Chase Thompson
Cameron Vogt
Jacob Warren
Linley Wehner
Abigail Woodard
Gavin Zerwig
FFA State Degree
The State FFA degree is the highest degree a member can receive at the state level. This degree demonstrates the student has devoted an exceptional amount of time into their SAE and local chapter. It is awarded after receiving the aforementioned degrees. Students must have earned and productively invested at least $1,000 and worked at least 300 hours in excess of scheduled class time, in a supervised agricultural experience program; demonstrated leadership ability by performing parliamentary law procedures, giving a speech on a topic relating to agriculture, and serving as an FFA officer or committee chairperson; completed a community service record; and have a satisfactory academic record, certified by the agriculture teacher and the school principal. The FFA State Degree recipients for the Class of 2026 are:
Alysa Beckermann
Jacob Sulser
Senior Class Officers of 2026
President: Briana Pfaff
Executive Member: Jacey Bauman
Executive Member: Elijah Bennett
Executive Member: Vivian Kiefer
Executive Member: Eleanor McKlin
Students Enlisting in the Military
The students below have enlisted to serve our country and have received their detachment dates:
Ryder Keyser — Army National Guard
Emily Merrifield — Army National Guard
Kynnadie Weibrecht — Army National Guard
Cum Laude
Students who have earned the distinction of Cum Laude are graduating with a cumulative non-weighted grade point average of 3.2 to 3.49. The students who have achieved the Cum Laude distinction for the Class of 2026 are:
Sawyer Bauman
Alysa Beckermann
Evan Coin
Connor Grass
Chloe Gross
Austin Hendrix
Carter Hogenmiller
Millie Huffman
Olivia Kirchner
Cameron LaRose
Emily Merrifield
Fallon Mitchell
Trinity Monroe
Lilah Oberreiter
Taylor Peterson
Ragan Picou
Lillian Schwent
Chase Thompson
Brian Vancil, III
Jacob Warren
Magna Cum Laude
Students who have earned the distinction of Magna Cum Laude are graduating with a cumulative non-weighted grade point average of 3.5 to 3.79. The students who have achieved the Magna Cum Laude distinction for the Class of 2026 are:
Alexander Basler
Alivia Bays
Elijah Bennett
Chloe Choate
Jason Engel
Carly Fernow
Josephine Guilford
Conner Hardin
Jeffrey Hunter, Jr.
Ryder Keyser
Miah Klein
Lillian Kohler
Kyrah Kreitler
Allison Loudenback
Marlena Lueken
Abigail Merklin
Briana Pfaff
Justin Slinkard
Jacob Sulser
Chloe Tarrillion
Madden Wolk
Gavin Zerwig
Summa Cum Laude
Students who have earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude are graduating with a cumulative non-weighted grade point average of 3.8 or higher. The students who have achieved the Summa Cum Laude distinction for the Class of 2026 are:
Jacey Bauman
Luke Ferranto
Kennedi Fischer
Sophie Garcia
Emma Gegg
Gavin Gegg
Tylin Hager
Lucille Hunsley
Vivian Kiefer
Eleanor McKlin
Cecilia Mooney
Paul Taylor
Linley Wehner
Abigail Woodard
George Washington Carver Award
The Missouri George Washington Carver Award is an academic honor recognizing the top 10% of high school graduating seniors in the state. Presented by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), it honors outstanding scholastic performance and honors the legacy of Missourian Dr. George Washington Carver, an inspirational scientist, botanist, educator and inventor. The following students have earned this honor for high achievement during their four years in high school:
Jacey Bauman
Luke Ferranto
Kennedi Fischer
Gavin Gegg
Lucille Hunsley
Vivian Kiefer
Eleanor McKlin
Cecilia Mooney
Paul Taylor
Abigail Woodard
President’s Award for Education Excellence
The following students have earned the President’s Award for Education Excellence:
Nathan Cummings
Kennedi Fischer
Gavin Gegg
Conner Hardin
Millie Huffman
Vivian Kiefer
Lillian Kohler
Marlena Lueken
Eleanor McKlin
Cecilia Mooney
Jacob Sulser
Paul Taylor
Madden Wolk
Gavin Zerwig
College Preparatory Studies Seal on Diploma
In order to qualify as a recipient of the Ste. Genevieve County R-II College Preparatory Studies Seal on Diploma, students must complete a strong academic program, as specifically outlined, in the subject areas of English-Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Specified Core Electives, while maintaining a 95% or higher cumulative attendance rate. The following students have earned the Ste. Genevieve County R-II College Preparatory Studies Seal on their Diplomas:
Emma Gegg
Gavin Gegg
Kennedi Fischer
Vivian Kiefer
Briana Pfaff
Linley Wehner
2026 Local Scholarship Recipients & Post-Secondary Plans
This year, local businesses, organizations and families awarded more than $120,000 in local scholarships to SGHS seniors! This incredible support reflects the generosity of our local businesses, organizations, and families—and the strong bond between our school and community.
The following seniors received scholarships from local businesses and organizations:
Alex Basler:
Lindenwood University
SGHS Boys Basketball
Vern Bauman Contracting Co.
Jacey Bauman:
Maryville University
Citizens Electric
Rotary Student of the Month
Ste. Genevieve Community Foundation
Sawyer Bauman:
State Tech
Elks Tech Recognition
Riverside Landscaping, Inc.
Alivia Bays:
University of Central Missouri
Hoffman Foundation
Ste. Genevieve County Democratic Club
Alysa Beckermann:
Southeast Missouri State University
Dennis P. Flieg Memorial
Donze Family Foundation FFA
SGHS Future Farmers of America (FFA)
Elijah Bennett:
Missouri State University
SGHS Boys Basketball
SGHS Student Council
Ste. Genevieve Riverdogs
Luke Ferranto:
Culver-Stockton University
All-Sports Boosters
Bloomsdale Elementary PTO
Brockmiller Construction, Inc.
Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674 - Student of the Month
Lost Acres Tractor Club
United Steelworkers Local 169G
Kennedi Fischer:
University of Missouri-Columbia
American Legion Auxiliary Unit #150
Buchholtz-Kiefer American Legion Post #150
Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674 - Student of the Month
Sons of the American Legion - Dennis P. Flieg Memorial
Ste. Genevieve Memorial Hospital Medical Staff
Sophie Garcia:
University of Missouri-Columbia
Bloomsdale Excavating Co.
Ste. Genevieve Rotary Club
Emma Gegg:
Mineral Area College
All-Sports Boosters
Don Heil Oil Co.
Lakenan Insurance
Nancy L. Breig Memorial
Nicki Reed Memorial
Rotary Student of the Month
The Farmer’s Table 4-H
Gavin Gegg:
University of Missouri-Columbia
Armella Peterson
Dennis Walker / VFW Post #2210
Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674 - Student of the Month
Environmental Products, Inc.
First State Community Bank of Ste. Genevieve
MFA Foundation
R&K Excavation
Ste. Genevieve County Mart
Keilee Grissom:
SG R-II MSTA / CTA
Josephine Guilford:
Jefferson College
Eric Scott International, LLC
Lost Acres Tractor Club
SGNEA
Tylin Hager:
Bloom Beauty Institute
Rotary Student of the Month
Ste. Genevieve Jaycees
Carter Hogenmiller:
Mineral Area College
Ste. Genevieve Men’s Horseshoe League
Millie Huffman:
Lindenwood University
SGHS Student Council
Lucille Hunsley:
Truman University
Duane Donze Memorial
Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674 - Student of the Month
Peggy J. Johnson Memorial
Jeffrey Hunter, Jr.:
St. Louis Community College
Coleman Resources
Ryder Keyser:
Army National Guard
Elks Military Recognition
Vivian Kiefer:
University of Louisville
Basler Funeral Home
Dennis Walker / VFW Post #2210
Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674 - Student of the Month
Nancy L. Breig Memorial
Sons of the American Legion - Dennis P. Flieg Memorial
Zell Area Jaycees
Olivia Kirchner:
University of Missouri-Columbia
Bloomsdale Elementary PTO
Lillian Kohler:
State Fair Community College
Alvin Brown Memorial
Nancy L. Breig Memorial
Kyrah Kreitler:
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Betty Geraghty Memorial / Art Guild
Fury Softball
Little Saline Sportsman’s Club
Mid-East Missouri Contractors Association
Mikel Stewart Memorial
Rotary Student of the Month
SG R-II Faculty & Staff
Marlena Lueken:
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Rotary Student of the Month
Allison Loudenback:
Jefferson College
J.T. Drury Contracting Inc.
SGHS Mentors
Eleanor McKlin:
Missouri State University
Ability Network, Inc.
Bloomsdale Bank
Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674 - Student of the Month
Environmental Products, Inc.
First State Community Bank of Ste. Genevieve
GFWC Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve - Helen Smith
Local Small Business
Ste. Genevieve Lions Club
Abigail Merklin:
Jefferson College
Andrew Mazuco Memorial
Linda Coleman-Henson Memorial
Emily Merrifield:
Army National Guard
Elks Military Recognition
Drake Meyer:
McKendree University
Ste. Genevieve Women’s Horseshoe League
Katelyn Moll:
Mineral Area College
MFA Foundation
Weingarten Jaycees
Cecilia Mooney:
Southern Illinois University
GFWC Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve - Young Woman’s - Bob Gustafson Memorial
Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674 - Student of the Month
SGHS Band Boosters
SGNEA
Evan Naeger:
Missouri Welding Institute
Rick & Betty O’Bryan Memorial
Briana Pfaff:
Colorado Christian University
All-Sports Boosters
Buchholtz-Kiefer American Legion Post #150
Rotary Student of the Month
SGHS Student Council
Ragan Picou:
Southeast Missouri State University
Lindsay Roth Memorial
SG R-II MSTA / CTA
Katelyn Ross:
Cape Career Center
Ste. Genevieve County Ambulance District Paramedic
Lillian Schwent:
Jefferson College
Ste. Genevieve Chamber of Commerce
The Farmer’s Table FFA
Brenden Sexton:
Southeast Missouri State University
Les Capitaines
Jacob Sulser:
Jefferson College
Dennis P. Flieg Memorial
SGHS Band Boosters
SGHS Future Farmers of America (FFA)
Chloe Tarrillion:
Mineral Area College
Hoffman Foundation
Nancy L. Breig Memorial
Peggy J. Johnson Memorial
Paul Taylor:
Southeast Missouri State University
All-Sports Boosters
Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674 - Student of the Month
MRV Banks
SG R-II Faculty & Staff
Chase Thompson:
State Tech
Mikel Stewart Memorial
Nancy L. Breig Memorial
Ste. Genevieve County Tech Foundation
Lydia Vaeth:
Paul Mitchell
August “Gus” Grein Jr. Memorial
Linley Wehner:
Jefferson College
All-Sports Boosters
Fury Softball
Mikel Stewart Memorial
Rotary Student of the Month
Kynnadie Weibrecht:
Army National Guard
Elks Military Recognition
Madden Wolk:
Harding University
All-Sports Boosters
American Legion Riders
Rotary Student of the Month
Ste. Genevieve Vision Care
Abigail Woodard:
Southeast Missouri State University
Bethany Bequette Memorial
Bill Karl Memorial
DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)
Donze Family Foundation Community Legacy
Ste. Genevieve Elk’s #2674 - Student of the Month
Mikel Stewart Memorial
National Wild Turkey Federation
SGHS Student Council
Ste. Genevieve Rotary Club
Gavin Zerwig:
Jefferson College
Rotary Student of the Month
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POST-SECONDARY OVERVIEW:
The organizations / businesses / fields the Class of 2026 will pursue following graduation include:
Apprenticeship
Central Methodist University (CMU)
Colorado Christian University
Cosmetology
Culver-Stockton College
Harding University
Jefferson College (JeffCo)
Lindenwood University
Maryville University
McKendree University
Military
Mineral Area College (MAC)
Mission Trip
Missouri State University (MSU)
Missouri Welding Institute (MWI)
Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO)
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale (SIUC)
St. Louis Community College (STLCC)
State Fair Community College
State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech)
Truman State University
University of Central Missouri (UCM)
University of Louisville
University of Missouri - Columbia (MIZZOU)
University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC)
Work Force
The selection committee would like to thank the following area businesses and organizations that contributed scholarships to the students of Ste. Genevieve High School:
Small business donors include:
Computer Solutions; County Home Center; Drury Outdoors; Fischer Quarry & Hauling; Lurk Custom Cabinets; Quarry Workers Local #839; Rosie’s Posies LLC; Shuh & Sons Plumbing HTG & A/C; Ste. Genevieve County Farmers Market; and Tower Rock Stone Co.