94 graduate Liberty-Benton

Seniors from the Liberty-Benton High School Class of 2023 turned their tassels and statuses to alumni during Sunday's commencement in the school's gymnasium. L-B's 94 graduates tossed their caps with their friends, family and school faculty to celebrate receiving their diplomas and finishing four long years of high school. Liberty-Benton graduated 94 students during the 2023 commencement in the school's gymnasium. ANGELA LAROSA / The Courier "Continue to push yourself and don't ever forget where you come from," Superintendent Mark Kowalski told the graduates. "Continue to surround yourself with people who inspire you to be the best you can be." The Class of 2023 had 12 valedictorians: Oliva Abbott, Lucy Gable, Jenna Green, Hailey Hochstettler, Riley Irwin, Brandon Maag, Karmen Makowski, Kaylen Niese, Kiraney Ogden, Matthew Ricker, Isaac Teders and Jada Todd. Robert Coldren Jr. was named salutatorian. Principal Ben Gerken said 62% of the Class of 2023 plan to attend a four-year college or university, 13% plan to attend a two-year college or tech school, 13% will enter the workforce, 4% have plans to join the military, 3% have an apprenticeship and 5% of students are undecided. He also said the class has accepted over $650,000 in scholarships, or over $2.6 million over the next four years. After Sunday, the young men and women of Liberty-Benton are no longer considered seniors or even graduates. They have turned their tassels and became the newest alumni of the district. And, even though Kowalski is leaving the district in August, he will always support the Class of 2023. "We will always be your biggest cheerleaders," Kowalski said. "You'll always have a home at Liberty-Benton." View more photos at thecourier.com.