55 Graduates Receive Diplomas At BHS Friday

Fifty-five graduates received diplomas Friday at Bourbon High School's graduation.

Following a national anthem from Blake Beckett, BHS Principal Dena Smith addressed the graduates. Smith said she had the opportunity to watch this group from pre-school and has been with them since they were fifth graders. "I've watched you grow and mature," she said, adding that she was proud of all their accomplishments. She parted with some advice on being happy. "Happiness is only real when it's shared," she said.

Class President AnnaMarie Sampson said she was grateful for every experience. She said high school "is what you make it" and that's why she tried to stay positive and involved. Sampson gave credit to the teachers who believed in her.

Salutatorian Taylor Bosworth told the class she was going to give an unconventional speech. She reminisced about assigned seats at lunch, freezing smart boards and throwing writing utensils into a ceiling. She closed out by quoting rapper Drake and that "all jokes aside, it's been an absolute privilege to call myself a classmate of you all. I am so glad I get to call you guys my class."

Valedictorian Kaitlin Nowack said the Class of 2017 had gotten a bad name, "but we are much more than that. We've grown so much," she said. "I realize more than ever that each of us has amazing potential. I'm more than honored to be on this stage giving a speech. Each of us has enough smarts…never forget to strive for your best."

BHS Counselor Michelle Ray presented scholarships (page 2B) and Smith recognized the top 10 percent of the class: Nowack, Bosworth, Mackenzie Courtouise, Ashley Olms, Alyssa Gargus and Emma Gibson.