Twenty-seven students earning high school diplomas were honored Tuesday at the Barton County Academy graduation ceremony. These non-traditional students were sponsored by area school districts in Great Bend, Ellinwood and Hoisington.

The students wore red or black gowns and entered to the traditional processional, “Pomp and Circumstance.” They were presented by BCA Director Rachel Ellson and ESL Director Patty Fletchall handed them their diplomas.

Student Rosa Reyes spoke briefly.

“I want to thank God for allowing us to be here today to celebrate our graduation,” she said, also mentioning a teacher who encouraged her. “I also want to thank my family and classmates for supporting me.”

Going forward, “There are no limits,” Reyes said. “We are the ones who set our own boundaries.”

The graduating class and sponsoring school districts are: Clair Birzer #431 (Hoisington), Cinthia Carrasco #428 (Great Bend), Nydia Castanon #428, Dunia Cortez #428, Kian DeLong #431, Kian Espinosa #431, Maria Garay #428, Gavin Gisick #428, Isabell Gorgas #431, Raine Hurst #431, Marbella Juarez #428, Kaylynn Keenan #355 (Ellinwood), Kasey Keener #431, Fabian Lopez #431, Logan Norman #428 , Rosa Reyes #428, Wylee Sigmon #431, Mison Sinn #431, Hallie Smith #428, Marcus Smith #431, Chris Stevenson #428, Jennifer Stout #431, Jacob Urquidez #355, Mayte Urquidez #355, Adriana Valdovinos #428, Gabriela Vanegas #428, and Maria Vazquez #428.

Great Bend’s BCA is operated by the Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas (ESSDACK).