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Perryville High School’s Class of 2025 has accepted $1.6 million in post-secondary scholarships. The announcement was made during the 2025 Senior Signing Day celebration at Perry Park Center on May 16.
Students recognized during Senior Signing Day included those who have enrolled in trade schools, colleges and universities, and internship programs, as well as those who have joined the United States Armed Forces. They are listed by program.
· American Welding Academy — Brandon Stephens
· Associated Training Services — Austyn Wolk
· Cape Career & Technology Center — Kacy Fahnestock, Ellie Gerler, and Raina Manche
· Central Methodist University — Brett Bohnert and Hunter Elder
· Culinary Institute of America — Chamberlain Chapman
· Drake University — Emily Baker and Kallie Muench
· Jefferson College — Aubrie Bell, Carter Blechle, Jake Cissell, Caroline Gremaud and Jeremy Reisenbichler
· Juste Moi Spa — Faith Endicott and Anelia Miller
· Lindenwood University — Xavier Pfaff
· Mineral Area College — Jacob Casillas, Mason Cottner, Erin Crannick, Reiley Daniels, Ava Day, Wyatt Duncan, Hailey Easton, Samantha Ernst, Alexis Erzfeld, Hallie Figge, Kaelyn Foglietta, Kaydence French, Morgan Hahs, Kassie Hejnal, Eli Hemingway, Savannah Lukefahr, Allie McGee, Emma Michael, Kassidy Miller, Isabella Pingel, Landyn Pingel, Chase Richardet, Katelyn Richardet, Lacey Scamell, Clara Schumer, Marley Seabaugh, Aubrie Tucker, Londyn Tucker, Kenzie Weinkein, and Kendra Welker
· Missouri State University – Kathryn Broeking and Taylor Ebersohl
· Missouri University of Science & Technology — Logan Hudson
· Missouri Valley College — Dalton Fritsche
· Missouri Valley Line Constructors — Evan Hayden
· Missouri Welding Institute — Trevor Manche
· Northwest Missouri State University — Josephine Lohmann
· Ozark Technical Community College — Jedani Aguilar Montijo and Emily Sticht
· Palm Beach Atlantic University — Rosemarie Baker-Mosely
· Perryville Area Career & Technology Center — Abigail Birk and Faith Endicott
· Ranken Technical College — Ashtyn Balsman, Gregary Bartusch, Teddy Beegle, Colton Buerck, Grant Hotop, Preston Johnson, Trenton Lorenz, Toby Lucas, Kaiden Morgan, Landen Nuyt, Connor Richardet, Maya Sanchez, and Eli Schott
· Renaissance Beauty Academy — Sarah Sneed
· Saint Louis University — Maria Mattingly Hernandez
· Skin Institute – Jewel Riney and Leah Traut
· Southeast Missouri State University — Blake Bodendieck, Sofia Buerck, Zachary Crowder, Allisan DeWilde, Fallon Faulkner, Russell Giesler, Kaleb Huber, Abygail Mercado, Ava Moll, Bhavya Patel, Reagan Pingel, Jamie Rogers, Ayla Schuler, and Savannah Young
· Southeast Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences — Elise Lauck
· Southern Illinois University-Carbondale — John Pippin
· Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville — Ty Peeler and Lydyah Boland
· Southwest Tennessee Community College — Troy O’Keefe
· St. Charles Community College — Grace Zoellner
· St. Charles Community Living Inc. — Treven Comstock
· State Technical College of Missouri — Alexandria Johnson, Nathaniel Moll, and Aaron Weber
· Tag Truck Center — Austin Runge
· United States Air Force — Damon Chandler, Cooper Leible, Johnny Miner, and Elizabeth Rhoden
· United States Army — Nickolas Kramer, Trace Austin, Drake Behrle, Brayden Johnson, Jeffrey Redecker, Dominic Seiler, and Ethan Sutterer
· United States Marine Corps — Brett Coffelt, Gavin Hemmann, Porter Johnson, Christopher Linhorst, and Kolten Little
· United States Navy — Devon Moll and Wyatt Schremp
· University of Arizona — Marilisa Lopez-Herrera
· University of Kansas — Grady Warren
· University of Missouri-Columbia — Gwynivere Newbrough
· Washington University of St. Louis — Lydia Barrows
· West Star Aviation — Kara Williams
· WyoTech — Katelyn Thurman
The featured speaker for the event was Mr. Justin Dreyer, assistant principal and athletic director at PHS. He is a 2002 graduate of Perryville High School, and has worked at the school for 18 years.
“I was born and raised in Perryville, and to be honest with you all, I wouldn’t want to be in any other place,” Mr. Dreyer said. “The town of Perryville, Perryville High School, my family, and my friends have all shaped me into the person that I am today. When I think about my time at Perryville High School, I think not only of the good times but also the life lessons that I was taught, even though I may not have agreed with them at that time.
I want you to think about the life lessons that you have learned during your time at Perryville High School…I will share a secret with you, most of these life lessons, you won’t even realize until you are a bit older and have more responsibility. I will share 2 quick life lessons that I was taught growing up that I didn’t agree with at the time, but as I got older, I realized that these were done for reasons that I couldn’t understand at 17/18 years old:
The 1st life lesson is: If you all could believe this or not, I wasn’t the best student in High School. I wanted to do the minimal work to get by and get a B in class, which was a good grade for me. I had teachers that were constantly on my case and pushing me to do better, because they knew I could do better. They saw more in my abilities than I saw in myself. Looking back, this lesson taught me to push myself to do better, and that seeing potential in someone and helping them become better is one of the most powerful forms of leadership, mentorship, or love.
Another life lesson was from my parents. Going through High School, in my circle of friends, I was always the kid who had a curfew, while some of my friends did not. At the time, I didn’t think that was fair and I would get into arguments with my parents over having a curfew. Now that I am older and have 3 kids of my own, I realize that the curfew wasn’t a punishment, the curfew that I had was made out of concern and love. It was so my parents knew where I was, and that I made it home safely, and they did not have to stay up all night worrying about where I was or what I was doing.
I know that you all have had many conversations with parents, teachers, administrators, and counselors over the last 4 years trying to help you all out as well.
As one of your administrators at school, I’ve had the privilege of watching your growth—not just academically, but as people. Over the years, you’ve learned a lot. Some of it in classrooms, some through late-night conversations, part-time jobs, losses, victories, and moments of self-discovery. And while you’ve mastered subjects, earned grades, and chased deadlines, the most valuable lessons you’ve learned probably weren’t found in any textbook.
Mr. Shafer always says, 'The point of High School is not to do good at High School, it's to prepare you for the next chapter of your life.' You’ve learned to lead, to listen, to collaborate, to speak out, and sometimes, to stand alone. These are not just skills; they are the building blocks of your character. And character will take you further than any single achievement ever will. Here are a few other life lessons that you probably learned:
1. Time Flies – Use It Wisely
High school went by quickly. It doesn’t seem like that long ago when you all were coming into the HS gym for Freshman orientation, and now you're getting ready to Graduate tonight. Don’t waste time on drama or procrastination—every moment counts.
2. Your Effort Matters More Than Natural Talent
Success often comes down to showing up, doing the work, and being consistent—not being the smartest in the room. Effort can take you further than talent alone. One of my favorite quotes of all time is “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.
3. Failure Is Not the End
Whether it was a bad test grade, a lost friendship, or a rejected college application, a loss on the field—failures teach resilience. Every setback is a setup for growth.
4. Be Kind—It Costs Nothing
Small acts of kindness—holding a door, saying “thank you,” checking in on someone—can make a big difference. Remember, you never know what someone else is going through.
5. It's Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out
Here’s a secret: most adults are still figuring it out. The path you take will twist and turn. Your dream job might change, your passions might evolve, and what matters to you today might look very different in five years—and that’s okay. Plans change because people grow. What matters is that you keep moving forward, stay curious, and stay true to yourself.
6. You’re Stronger Than You Thought
From early morning practices, to late-night studying, tough classes, to personal challenges—everything you went through made you stronger than you ever realized.
As for the future…
Ahead of you lies a path that is not fixed. It will curve, rise, and dip in ways you can’t yet imagine. It is going to be HARD. But that’s the beauty of it. The future isn’t something you enter—it’s something you create. Whether your next step is college, the workforce, military, or an entirely new venture, carry with you the values you've honed here.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re not detours; they’re part of the map. You have everything you need. So go forward boldly. Make mistakes. Make changes. Make meaning. The world needs your energy, your vision, and your voice.
And remember: success isn’t a title or a paycheck. It’s living a life of purpose, finding joy in what you do, and lifting others as you climb.
So, as you walk across this stage tonight and into your future, know this: We are proud of you. We believe in you. And we are cheering you on, every step of the way.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!