VIENNA — Maries County R-1 Superintendent Teresa Messersmith encouraged the 34 Vienna High seniors Friday to do good at the 2026 commencement in the Allen Gymnasium.

“Aspire to a level of personal excellence. Despite your circumstances, you can always strive to be the very best person you can be,” she said.

The ceremony featured various speakers, the presentation of diplomas and music performances in honor of the graduates transitioning into adult life. The Eagle Pride Band performed “Know Your Enemy” by Green Day, and the choir performed “Where You Lead” by Carole King.

“I believe wholeheartedly that you are prepared and ready to move to life beyond Maries R-1 High School,” Messersmith said.

The salutatorian was Lauren Libbert, and the valedictorian was Morgan Murphy. Eleven students earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher.

Libbert and Murphy gave their speech together, expressing gratitude for the faculty, staff and teachers; explaining the significance of the class song (“Home Sweet Home” by Motley Crew) and motto (“Keep on Rollin’ Baby” by Limp Bizkit); and reflecting on their accomplishments as a class.

The guest speaker Melanie Snodgrass, English teacher and 2012 alumna, recalled her experience with the seniors as her first class at Vienna in fall 2023. She shared the most memorable parts of teaching them, including how students would make a schedule for sitting in a broken wheelchair in her classroom.

Snodgass also told the graduates that life would have its difficult moments, when one more thing goes wrong just when one thought it couldn’t get any worse. However, she reminded them that they have a support system of family and friends, cheering them on in those moments.

“I believe in each and every one of you. I can tell you that if you’re willing to work hard … and learn from your mistakes to do better, there is absolutely nothing that you cannot do,” she said.