BHS Celebrates 64 Graduates

Bourbon High School honored the Class of 2025 during its graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 22, celebrating 64 seniors in a packed gymnasium.

“You’re stepping into an ever-changing world,” said Superintendent Cole Byassee as he addressed graduates. “Whether you go to college, join the workforce, serve in the military, or forge your own path, do so with integrity. Do not fear failure. It's just part of the process.” 

Byassee continued, saying that “some of the most important lessons you will learn come not from books, but from taking chances and growing from your mistakes. Remember, success is not only about what you achieve, but how you influence others. Be the person who makes your community better. Be the person who not only asks, what can I get, but what can I give? The world needs more people who remember where they came from, who listen first, who care deeply, and who are not afraid to make a difference.”

Speakers for the senior class included president Abigail Poole, salutatorian Marisa Enke and valedictorian Jazlynn McFadden.

Cassandra Haar, the district’s curriculum director, recognized the top 10 percent of the class, which included McFadden, Enke, Poole, Bevin Bouse, Lillian Johnson, Valeria Paz Martinez and Avery Sutton.

Haar also recognized the 32 students who will be enrolling in postsecondary education and three students enlisting in the armed services.

The graduates combined to earn $430,000 in scholarship money.

The evening included a special recognition by East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer, who honored seniors Alyvia Helm and Raylee Bartle as the first-ever Bourbon High School students to graduate from the ECC Early College Academy. The program allows high school students to earn college credit during their junior and senior years while completing their diploma.

BHS Principal Brian Witt concluded the commencement by telling the graduates to remember three simple ideas: be kind, take the opportunities that come their way and not get caught up “in labeling things good or bad.”

“The world already has enough critics and chaos,” he said, adding that more people who have compassion, treat people with dignity and lead with empathy are needed.

“Take advantage of the opportunities in front of you,” Witt said. “Not all of them look flashy or exciting. Some might seem small or even inconvenient, but say yes. Try the new job, go to the interview, take the class, join the group. The best things in life often come from moments we almost passed up. Opportunity doesn't always knock, and sometimes whispered.”

Finally, Witt said, don’t look at life in terms of “good or bad.”

“Things will go your way, and sometimes they won't. You'll win, and you'll fall short. That's not failure, that's learning. That's growth,” Witt said. “Every challenge you face is a chance to grow stronger. Wiser and more resilient. The best people I know didn't get there by having an easy path. They got there by showing up and growing through it all.”