HERMANN – Plans are in place for the presentation of 70 diplomas of graduation for the Hermann High School Class of 2026.

This year’s graduating class is about 15 students shy of last year’s class and continues the decrease in enrollment that Gasconade County R-1 School District has been experiencing during the past 10 to 12 years.

The Graduation Ceremony is set for Thursday, May 14. Administration officials will wait as long as possible to decide whether to hold the ceremony outdoors in Bearcat Memorial Stadium or indoors. Weather will be the deciding factor on that choice.

Meanwhile, the 8th-Grade Celebration — the event marking the journey of the 8th graders from Hermann Middle School to the Freshmen Class at Hermann High School — is set for Wednesday, May 13, at 6 p.m. The students in that class will be treated to a barbecue picnic that day prior to a rehearsal for that night’s event.

Kindergarten Graduation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, at 1 p.m.

The final day of this school year is Friday, May 15.

Regarding the 8th-Grade class, the recent Freshmen Orientation event was billed as a success by school officials with 71 of the 83 8th graders (69 students in HMS, 5 in Franklin County R-2 and 9 in St. George Catholic School) taking part. Students attending the orientation were given a tour of the high school and had an opportunity to talk with the various clubs and organizations at HHS, such as band, choir, sports, drama club, FFA and other groups offering extra-curricular activities.

R-1 District officials are accepting nominations for this year’s Bearcat Pride Award. This award is presented to a teacher, an aide, a bus driver, custodian or any other R-1 staff member nominated for making a positive impact on the lives of a student. You may nominate someone for the award by completing the form available on the district’s website. Nominations are due by Friday, May 8.