Photo by Crystal Reed
Co-valedictorians of the Sullivan Class of 2023 were Paul Bates (left) and Cassidy Short (right). They spoke on how the class can live their lives for others.

•May 24, 2023•
by Crystal Reed

The 78 members of Sullivan High School Class of 2023 were sent off into the world Sunday, May 21, with a ceremony on the football field. After the staff, administration, teachers and graduates had entered, the high school band played the “Star Spangled Banner” as the flag was raised.
The senior class president Sydni Waidelich gave a welcome address in which she focused on opportunities. Waidelich was adopted from Guatamala at nine months old and moved to Sullivan in January, 2021.
“The past four years have been filled with opportunities that we have all been blessed to have,” Waidelich said. She thanked many people at the school for giving the class various opportunities. Waidelich recognized her class and said they have become such a huge part of her life.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Sullivan High School co-salutatorians Madalyn Booker (left) and Raegan Sims (right) shared a speech at the graduation ceremony.

High School Principal Daniel Allen recognized those in the graduating class who had reached the status of Eagle Scout or have enlisted in the armed forces. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is Beau Fleming. Enlisting in the armed forces include Makenzie Pedigo, Illinois Air National Guard; Brent Helmuth, Illinois Army National Guard and Matthew Wesselman, United States Army.
Allen acknowledged those who were named Illinois State Scholars. They are Paul Bates, Cassidy Short, Raegan Sims, Sydni Waidelich and Jack Woolen.
Then the academic top ten was presented. This year the class had co-valedictorians and co-salutatorians.
Co-salutatorians are Madalyn Booker and Raegan Sims. In their speeches they talked of unpredictable ups and downs that have made them who they are today. “In spite of the fact that high school can be taxing, exhausting and stressful, you all made it something to remember,” Booker said. Sims noted that their class got to see the football team win their first football game in six years. She thanked every staff member and student for making the past four years unforgettable.
This year’s co-valedictorians are Paul Bates and Cassidy Short.
Bates said in this day and age, it seems that the best thing you can do is to find what you can to make money and get by. Instead, he hopes his class strives to live a life for others.
Short explained that living for others means it’s sharing a kind word with a stranger or volunteering. “In reality, it doesn’t have to be big; we don’t have to move mountains, just do our own little part,” she said. Short revealed some of the positive attributes of her fellow graduates.
She encouraged them to find their passion and help others. The high school band played “Walking to the Sky” by Robert Buckey.
Allen said the Class of 2023 saw lots of adversity. “I am confident that they will leave their mark on the world when they go out, just like they left a mark here.”[/s2If]