Leibach calls 2020 SHS graduates a ‘fantastic group’

Considerably fewer students graduated from Sheridan High School this year than in years past, but the 2020 graduating class is a “fantastic group” in the words of SHS Principal Brent Leibach.

He said that’s the case not only in the accomplishments they’ve achieved during four years at Sheridan High School but also what they’ve achieved during the past couple of months in dealing with the COVID-19 restrictions.

He said he didn’t know of too many challenges coming at the 2020 graduates as they move forward that they won’t take on and do well.

There were only about 180 students in this year’s graduating class, compared to over 200 graduates in classes in years past, and the COVID-19 virus continued to affect how the graduation ceremony was held.

Scott Stults, who’s assistant superintendent for Sheridan County School District 2, said only three guests per graduate were allowed to attend the ceremony on the high school football field, and graduates and those attending were mindful of social distancing.

Stults said those who couldn’t attend the ceremony could in fact watch an online livestream of the event through the National Federation of High Schools Association streaming site.

The 2020 graduating class had two salutatorians this year – Maggie Kuehl and Claire Schnatterbeck – and Alicia Thony was valedictorian. Speaker was Andy Lowe.