STALEY HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 2017
EIGHTH ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT
Aspire to SOAR
MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017
6:30 PM
NORTH KANSAS CITY SCHOOLS
COMMUNITY OF CHRIST AUDITORIUM
Defining Moments for Staley High School
In April 2005, Voters in a bond election approved the building of a new high school in North Kansas City Schools.
The Groundbreaking was held on October 28. 2005. With that commitment in hand, community and educator
collaboration resulted in the design of a truly advanced environment for teaching and learning. The result is a
314,000-square foot, 65-acre facility, environmentally-friendly and energy-saving building. Historic dates in the
annals of Staley High School include the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting, August 18, 2008, and the Building
Dedication Ceremony and Community Open House, September 21, 2008. As our students, parents, staff, and
community remain true to the Vision, Mission, and Core Values, we will become a school destined for greatness with
a proud history.
A momentous occasion occurred on April 16, 2008, when a committed group of students, parents, and staff met
at Staley High School in room CR113 to write our founding documents. This historic date was the first official
gathering at Staley High School. Much like the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence,
Staley High School’s Vision and Mission Statements, and Core Values would be our founding documents.
Vision Statement
Staley High School is a community where individual and collective gifts are celebrated to foster personal and academic
excellence.
Mission Statement
We commit ourselves to create and sustain an inclusive environment of learning that challenges
and inspires each of us to SOAR through: Service, Ownership, Achievement, and Respect.
Our Mascot and Colors
In the fall of 2005, a committee composed of future students, staff, parents, and community members engaged in a
consensus decision process to determine the school colors and mascot. After receiving input from all constituencies,
the committee recommended Green, Black, and Silver as the official school colors and the Falcon as the official
mascot. In the days of chivalry, the Falcon held the meaning of, “one who does not rest until the objective is achieved.”
Green stood for Hope, Joy, and Loyalty. Silver represented Peace.
Staley High School Crest
Our School Crest will be an important symbol of Staley High School’s ideals, history, and culture for many years
to come. The crest was developed by students (Matt Cook, Caitlyn Duckworth, Jessica Goldsberry, Derek Hukill,
Robert Leslie, Hayley Ostronic, Caleb Rolfe, Samantha Watts, and Manthew Zeilmann) under the direction of Mrs.
Chelle Cox and Mr. Steve Gorman (Staley Art teachers), and Robert and Jeff Enger (Jostens). The School Crest was
carefully fashioned in the spring of 2008. The School Crest was unveiled at the Back to School activities during the
inaugural year.
North Kansas City Schools Board of Education
Dr. Terry Ward, President
Dixie Youngers, Vice-President
Victor S. Hurlbert, Treasurer
Peggy Cole, Secretary/Clerk
Dr. Chip Luerding
Terry Stone
Judy Wartick
Jay Wilson
North Kansas City Schools District Administration
Daniel Clemens, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools
Jill Hackett, Ed.D, Deputy Superintendent - Academics
Paul Harrell, Ed.D, Deputy Superintendent- Operations
Rochel Daniels, Executive Director- Organizational Development
Deborah Delsemme, Ed.D, Executive Director- Human Resources
Paul Fregeau, Ed.D, Assistant Superintendent- Support Services
Tammy Henderson, Executive Director- Community Relations & Legislative Affairs
Matt Fritz, Executive Director- Finance & Accounting
Michael Pragman, Ed.D, Executive Director- Data & Accountability
Chad Sutton, Ed.D, Assistant to the Superintendent- PreK-8
Steve Book, J.D, School District Attorney
Staley High School Administration
Clark Mershon, Principal
Dr. Chad Brinton, Assistant Principal
Kevin Kooi, Assistant Principal
Mark Mundell, Assistant Principal
Sharon Roberts, Assistant Principal
Flag of Learning and Liberty, Gonfalons, and the Bronzed Falcon
On July 4, 1985, the first flag symbolizing the link between education and a strong, free nation was raised over the
capitals of all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
A gonfalon, is a banner that hangs from a crosspiece or frame, associated with pageantry for centuries. Gonfalons
have been adopted for many institutional ceremonial purposes, including Commencement. Today marks the first
time in Staley High School history that gonfalons have been used as part of the Commencement ceremony. There
are symbols that represent Staley High School’s vision, mission, beliefs, and values. Staley’s three gonfalons help to
illustrate our founding principles.
The Class of 2012 (The Originals) gift to the school was the bronzed Falcon statue that adorns the Great Hall. An
original piece of sculpture created from the statue has been a part of Staley Commencements since 2012. As part of
the processional, seniors rub the bronzed Falcon replica as a reminder, “Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon.”
The Flag of Learning and Liberty, the three gonfalons and the bronzed Falcon replica will be carried by the senior
class officers and will lead the processional.
Staley High School Faculty and Staff
George Adair
Lori Adami
Scott Anderson*
Tim Armstrong
Morgan Bahn
Hollye Baxter
Bethany Becktell
Holly Binkley
Rachel Bowling
Carrie Bowman
Nic Brent
Victoria Brinkmeyer*
Chad Brinton
Chris Brown*
Sara Brown*
Karen Bruscato
Robert Buck*
Cherie Burgett*
Sherry Butts
Victoria Caraballo
Chris Carey
Trisha Carney*
Dena Carroll
Johnny Chain*
Theresa Christal
Jeanella Clark
Brett Copeland
Kyle Corcoran
Ken Corum
Steve Coult
Chelle Cox
Aaron Dalton*
Melanie Davidson*
Katie Davis
Karen Davis-Brown
Emillee Davison
Liz Delgado
Jason Derr
Anne Deterding
Nick DiCapo
Courtney Dougherty
Susan Downey
Alex Drambour
James Dunn
Shiloh Dutton*
Karen Eickoff*
Christie Endsley
Jackie Fabert
Julie Fantozzi*
Jeanine Felten
Nancy Flynn
Scott Fohey*
Jason Fowler
David Fowler
Kristina Francis*
James Freise
Nancy French
Rick Godsey
Jennifer Grossman
Faith Haley
Scott Hambelton
Quentin Hamner*
Toni Hansen
Monte Harmon*
Jeremy Hays
Dawn Hefner
Julie Higgerson
Joshua Hills
Jessica Hoffecker
Andrea Holmes*
Melissa Ide-Laird*
Erin Johnston*
Callie Juhl
Michelle Kieslich
Angela Kinslow
David Klinginsmith
Kevin Kooi
Deb Kumer
Christopher Lee
Kelley Lewis
Ann Ley
Steve Liberty
Phil Lite
Jennifer Long
Josh Lorenson*
Rob Lundien
Barbara Madden*
Raumin Mahoutchian
Anna Maki-Birchler*
Harvey Markin*
Lesley Martin*
Travis Mauzey*
Gary Mayabb
Laurie Mayfield
Emily McCall*
Gabe McKinnis
James McNeeley
Mariah McVey
Clark Mershon
Senior Class Officers
Samariah Jordan, President
Lindsey Boord, Vice President
Jillian Brauninger, Secretary
Nicole Gravett, Treasurer
Kendra Holt, Historian
John Minnick
Meara Mitchell*
Rachel Mitchell
Tami Moody
Mark Mundell
Chris Neff
Matt Nevels*
Jennifer Newman
Brent Newsom
Michael Prater
Les Pulliam
Joey Quigley
Jessica Ray
Sara Reese*
Kara Resseguie
Tracy Resseguie
Sharon Roberts
Angelique Rocha
Pam Rohlfing
Lisa Ruedisueli
Kelly Rule*
Morgan Scheib
Jacob Schirmer
Angela Schultz
Matt Schweitzer
Carrie Shuck
Jordan Simmons
Tammy Slauson
Janet Sobbe*
Judy Sola
Greg Spiegel
Judy Spunaugle
Cheryl Stone
Sherry Stout
Kate Strahl
Colin Sumner
Manabu Takahashi*
Jairus Tapp
Nina Taylor
Rebecca Taylor
Shane Taylor
Cody Thomas
Shari Timko
Richard Tingler
Carol Toney
Danielle Trebus
Tina Twarek
Tom Venard
Monica Walton
Todd Warner
Tracey Wasinger
Scott Watkins
Joel Wazac
Julia Weber
Kate Wheeler
Drew White
Daryl Williams
Doug Williams
David Wilson
Missy Wilt
Christian Winn
Beth Zobrist
*Denotes Faculty Marshals
Junior Class Officers
Serving as Ushers
Alison Hatfield, President
Juliann Leak, Vice President
J’nae Varela, Secretary
Kayley Thomas, Treasurer
Sydney Haistings, Historian
Senior Class Sponsors
Dawn Hefner
Jennifer Newman
Student Council Officers
Tim Lawson, President
Madison Keith, Vice President
Julia Wilks, Secretary
Lindsey Boord, Treasurer
Alyssa Day, Historian
Junior Class Sponsors
Dawn Hefner
Jennifer Newman
Student Council Sponsors
Andrea Holmes
Scott Anderson
2017 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
The audience is requested to stand during the Processional, the singing of the National Anthem, Moment of Remembrance for Memorial Day, “The Alma Mater”, the Recessional, and to
remain in place until the Procession has left the Community of Christ Auditorium.
Thanks to the “Voice of the Falcons”, Jim Sloss, for providing public address services this evening.
Thanks to seniors Adam Freese, Annika Ruskievicz, Andrew Simms and Cindy Ngo for producing the Senior Video.
Pre-Commencement ..............................................................................................................................6:00-6:20 Organ Prelude • 6:20-6:30 Senior Video
*Processional “Wings/Rowan Tree” (Traditional) ........................................................................................................ Kansas City Celtic Pipes and Drums
“Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar ...................................................................................................... Pam Robison, Community of Christ Staff Organist
Welcome and Introductions .........................................................................................................................................................Clark Mershon, Principal
Opening Proclamation ................................................................................................................................................................................. Jay Wilson
NKC Schools Board of Education
*Moment of Remembrance for Memorial Day-Monday, May 29, 2017 ................................................................................................. Lindsey Boord
2017 Class Vice President
Kendra Holt
2017 Historian
*National Anthem .............................................................................................................................................................Staley High School Falcon Chorale
Tracy Resseguie, Director of Choirs
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight
Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming.
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Greetings ................................................................................................................................................................................................Samariah Jordan
2017 Class President
Special Music “Gaelic Blessing” by John Leavitt .................................................................................................................................................. Falcon Chorale
Introduction of Commencement Student Speakers ............................................................................................................................Jillian Brauninger
2017 Class Secretary
Student Address to the Candidates ...........................................................................................................................................................Hannah Long
Hannah Mountz
Ashley Beffa
Presentation of Senior Gift ......................................................................................................................................................................Nicole Gravett
2017 Class Treasurer
Introduction of Commencement Faculty Speaker....................................................................................................................................... Kevin Kooi
Assistant Principal
Faculty Address to the Candidates............................................................................................................................................................. Gary Mayabb
Social Studies Teacher
Presentation of Class of 2017 .................................................................................................................................................................. Clark Mershon
Daniel Clemens, Ed.D
NKC Schools Superintendent
Presentation of Diplomas .................................................................................................................................................................... Dr. Chip Luerding
NKC Schools Board of Education
Reading of Senior Names............................................................................................................................................................John Minnick, Jairus Tapp
English Language Arts Teachers
*“The Alma Mater” by Silvestri, arr. Forrest........................................................................................................... Falcon Chorale Seniors
Sing for our school so fair
Staley Falcons, rise and soar!
Build minds and character
Staley Falcons, rise and soar!
Serve our community,
Honor diversity
Seize opportunity
Staley Falcons, rise and soar!
Hands joined in fellowship
We are Falcons, Staley strong!
Pride, honor, stewardship
We are Falcons, Staley strong!
Green pastures, blackened loam,
Fair colors of our home;
Wherever we may roam,
We are Falcons, Staley strong!
Stand for integrity
Staley now and always fair!
Through all adversity
Staley now and always fair!
Staley secure for all;
Staley embracing all;
Rise, Falcons, hear the call:
Staley now and always fair!
Closing Remarks ...................................................................................................................................................................................... Clark Mershon
*Recessional “Trumpet Voluntary” by Jeremiah Clarke ............................................................................................... Pam Robison, Community of Christ Staff Organist
*Audience Standing
Staley High School 2017 Candidates for Graduation
North Kansas City Schools
Shailynne Nikole Davis
✪
Tyler Allen Davolt
Alyssa Nicole Day
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Deininger
Michael Antonio DeJesus
Jordon Timothy Delehant
Kaitlyn Ann Dietzman
Tyler Matthew Dohrmann
Melissa Dominguez
Claire Nicole Donawa
Cameron Allen Doree
Alex Christopher Dorsel
Jakob Allan Doss
Samantha Michelle Douglas
Logan Ray Doyle
Kelly Clayton Duce
Taylor Jean Dunn
Dalton James DuPaul ✪
Erin Marie Easley
Kailey Nicole Edmisten
Nicholas John Eller
Alyssa Elliott
Isabelle Angeline Enna
Isaac Luis Esquilin
Curtís Marie Eubanks
Wyatt Remington Farkas
Bailey Noel Ferrara
Cody Charles Finnell
Katelin Marie Fiorino
Riley Garrett Fizer
Cole Tanner Flanagan
Devin Kane Flanery
Catherine Elaine Flores
✫
Patrick Casey Flynn
Duncan Scott Ford
Teriq Aryn Fowler
Kaete Aleine Freeman
Kyle Joe Freeman
Adam Christopher Freese
Connor Anthony Fregoe
Sarah Isabella Galloway
✪
Sarah Nicole Galloway
Selena Maria Galloway
Christopher Michael Garcia
Heather Marie Garcia
Giuliana Garziano
Ethan Gentry Gates
Brock James Geist
Charles Paul Genisio
Marissa Nicole Gibson
Anthony Peter Giordano
China Dayon Glenn
Dominic Cruz Gonzalez
Taylor Kathleen Goodin
Zachary Taylor Grace
Anthony Christopher Grainger
Nicole Leann Gravett
Jacob Scott Gray
Tristen Simone Green
Alexander Quinn Gregg
Emily Renee Groce
Dominic Roy Gutierrez
Kean James Gutierrez
Sarah Ann Hall
Shea Nicole Hancock
Mason Zachary Hanson
Mohammed Abdulraof Harb
Ciara Nicole Harrison
Logan Ross Hartman
★
Jennifer Ann Harvey
Cara Nicole Hawks
Merriam Cassidy Haydaripoor
Amos E Healy
Danielle Nicole Henry
Andrei Herman
Isaac Herman
Hunter Elliott Heyne
Zainab Ajoke Abdul-Salam
Justin Thomas Abramovitz
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Adams
★
Sumaiya Alam
Samuel Lee Alber
Austin Michael Alcanter
Madeline Elizabeth
Altenhofen
Roshann Safieh Al-Turk
Alexander Loring Arbuckle
Joseph William Armato
Joseph Tyler Arndt
Bailey Laine Atkins
Kelsie Kristine Baker
Makenzie Kaitlyn Baker
Darqarvius Lorse Banks
Mitchell Thomas Barton
Emily Ann Beahm
Lana Brook Becerra
Ryan Michael Bedard
Ashley Kathleen Beffa
Eric Joshua Bell ✫
Tya Tamika Bell
Kaleigh Adan Bentz
Xzavier Tariq Berry
David Michael Berryman
Dillon Lee Boatman
Tessa Jaye Bonsignore
Lindsey Kathryn Boord
Mikayla Joy Boro
Jordyn Mercedes Bratcher
Jillian Marie Brauninger
Laura Victoria Brewer
Seth Gowan Brooks
Jace Patrick Brosnan
Aaliyah Arnita Brown
Garrison Avery Brown
Paul Anthony Brown
Asia Imani Bryant
Baylee Renee Buckley
Gunner Robert Burch
Michael Ernest Burdick Jr
Alexandria Elena-Rose
Cabral
Andrew James Calvert
Chandler Lawrence Calvert
Rodney Joseph Calvert
Jovanna Guadalupe Canchola
Halania Nicole Cannova ✪
Keely Rose Carnes
Andrew James Carroll
Ian Matthew Carver
Augustine Mariano Cayton
Julia Renee Cervantes
Caleb Dwight Chambers ✪
Morgan Alyssa Chand
Valerie Jane Chandler
Dalton Jacob Charles
Eric Warren Childrey Jr
Tyler Alexander Cochrane
Raelena Marie Colby
Kirsten Taylor Collins
Tyler Louis Collins
Jacob David Cooley
Andrew Mason Croy
Tyreke Jerod Cummings
Jarrod Evan Cupp
Alexis Anne Dalberth
Jordan Anthony Daniels
Ashlyn Mariah Darnell
Emily Catherine
Davich
Mercedes Jean Davidson
Sophia Elizabeth Davies
Abigail Brianne Davis
Jeffrey Darrow Davis
Mason James Davis
Top Ten Percent
Aaron Charles Hill
Abigail Marie Hill
Gracen Marie Himmelberg
Eric William Hoeper
Megan Darlene Hogan
Nathan C Holland
Adam Christopher Hollis
Kendra Michelle Holt
Anastasya Andreevna
Hostyanska
Shale Michael Hoth
Kayle June Howery
✪
Joseph Allen Hoyt
Scott Robert Huey
Kaley Marie Hayden Humphrey
Sophia Helena Jackson
Michelle Nicole Jakubowski
James Gregory Johnson
Seth Daniel Johnson
Jason Ryan Johnston ✫
Erin Nicole Jones
Ron’ Nycea Eunique Jones
Gabriel Uriah Jordan
Joshua Michael Jordan
Samariah Allee Jordan
Joshua David Judin
Zachary Lee Kachevas ✪
Payton Michael Kampman
Awin Karim
Mohammad Fazal Karim
Collin Scott Kartanos
Anthony David Kasper
Madison Kristina Keith
Dale Michael Kessler ✪
Zachary Aaron Kessler
Jonathan Ian Kindle
Andrew Leroy King
Tyler Allyn Kinnison ✪
Alicia Nicole Knight
Hailey Renee Knopf
Ty Scott Koch
Anthony Michael Konecny
Madison Elizabeth Kovarik
Joshua Peter Kowalski
Lendi Toke Krizogono
Kuran Vaughan Kumar
Clinton Matthew Lancaster
Timothy Lee Lawson
Dylan Stuart Lee
Jada Yvonne Lee
Bryant Adonias Leiva
Jack Edwin Lester
Philip Rosser Lewis
Noah Marvin Lockhart
Hannah Aryn Lindsay
Long
Taylor Elisabeth Long
Alayna Marie Lopez
Lily Victoria Loving
Brittani Nicole Lubeck
Taylor Delaney Luster
Anthony Gabriel Mabery
Raymond Louis Mabion III
Haylee Marie Madden
Vanessa Marie Mahan
Trevor Joseph Mahin
Elizabeth Marie
Mann
Nathaniel Alan Manning
Seberiana Rose Martinez
Thomas Nathaniel Martinez
Reynolds
Yairol Noel Matos
Matthew Alexander McCarthy
Logan Hayes McCool
Tanner Dane McCracken
Cameron Phillip McCray
Gold Medallion
A+ Candidates
♦
NCAPS
✬ CTEC
✪
College Readiness
National Merit Commended Scholar
Missouri Scholars 100
✫ BTC
Jordan Daniel McFerran
Cody William McLaughlin
Daniel Lee McLaughlin ✪
Adrianna Destiny McLean
Nathan Dewayne McManis
Nick Jaylen McWilliams
Michelle Andren Mead
Zachary Joseph Medellin
Andrew Jacob Miller
Maya Elise Miller
Ramla Osman Mohamed
Eric Cullen Monahan
✪
David Paul Montague Jr
Jessica Lea Montgomery
Hannah Elizabeth Moore ✪
Andrew Jacob Morley
Miriam Finn Morris
Leah Ann Mosher
Ethan Randall Mott
Hannah Elizabeth Mountz
Anthony James Mullen
Ryan James Mullins
Madissen Noelle Mummert
Xavier Muñoz
Daja Marie Neal
Kanisio Nittu Nerro
Tinh Nghi Cindy Ngo
Jessica Nguyen
Marena Ruby Nigro
Adam Jacob Nissley
Alijah Alexander Nomaan
Lindsey Abigail Norby
Logan James Norstuen
Tanner Easton Nowatzki
Aaron Lee O’Brien
Luke Evan Othic
Alison Rose Overcash
Anthony Michael Pace
Abigail Paige Paul
Brett Alan Paulson
Nicholas Matthew Peterson
Jackson Ford Petrie
Hunter Ray Pfannenstiel
Lauren Shirley Pierce
Abigail Renea Poras
Brandon Michael Preston-Riley
Chloe Alexis Proffitt
Alyssa Marie Raby
Parker Stephen Rawley
Lauren Marie Reeder
Olyvia Loretta Nicole
Reherman
Gage Randall Relford
Jackson Bernard Relford
Esha Riaz
Lauren Alexandria Rice
Craig Tyler Richard
Kyle Caleb Richwine ✪
Andrea Lynn Ridout
Alyssa Sage Riggins
Kiley Cassie Roberts
Nicholas Andrew Rocha
Delaynee Renee Ross
Eli Jackson Ross
Julian Mondell Ross
Brett Nicholas Rowald
Reece Christine Ruch
Landon Jacob Michael Rupp
Annika Gabriele Ruskievicz
Matthew Jacob Russell
✪
Easton Lee Sabina
Hamid Mohamed Said
Marisol Salgado
Diego Anton Sanchez
Genesis P Sanchez
Seth Anthony Sanstra
Victoria Marie Scanlan
Mikala Jade Schake
Jason Andrew Schlaud
Jacob Evan Schmidt
Brittany Nicole Schoenrock
Tyler Thomas Schofield
Jacob Cole Schriever ✬
Joshua Adam Seifert
Mohammad Mansoor
Shah
Jacob Daniels Sheehan
Alexander Cortez Shelton
Jashayla Janaé Shelton
Felicity Madison Shorrock
Donovan Ray Shy
Zachary Noah Siliski
Paloma Jade Silva
Carina Milagro Silverio-Davis
Andrew William Simms
Taylor Paige
Sistrunk
Hannah Nicole Slatier
Alexandra Celeste Evon Smith
Anna Marie Smith
Jay Alan Smith
Paxton Nathaniel Sneed
Troy Joseph Spolar
Michelle Josephine Stottmann
Terryion Davonte Sullivan
Kevin Bao Ta
Jasmin Tahirovic
Lexi Anne Taylor
Wezi Lukundo Tembo
Hunter Orion Tessman
Natalie Michele Thimgan
Madelyn Grace Thompson
Raechel Alauna Tittor
Coleton Joseph Toczek
August Michael Tomelleri
Kyle Lee Treadway
Emily Christine Turecki
Landen Ray Turner
Zachary Anthony Valdez
Isabel Christine Vallejo
Alyssa Lacell Vandegrift
Isabela Vargas
Grant Alexander Verhulst
Jared Alan Vineyard
Nicolò Voltan
Christina Lauren Vrab
Kathryn Marie Walker
Ryan Christopher Walker
Kade Johnathan Wallace
Jake David Walston
Alexis Nichole Walters
William Sanders Watson
J’dyn Corrina Watts
Baylie Michelle Webber
Alexander D Weber
Erick Andrius Webster
Jocinda Alora Wiehe
Tanner Lee Wieser
Brittany Marie Wilcox
Devon Allen Ray Wiley
Stephen Grant Wilkerson
Julia Lucille Wilks
Alexis Leann Williams
Jacob Neil Williams
Jacob Anthony Williams
Sydney Mae Wilmes
Jacob Tyler Wilson
Kaycee Michelle Wilson
Leksi Jade Wilson
Joseph James Winkler
Erica Ann Woolery
Reaghn S Yack
Blake Andrew Young
Madison Taylor Mangold Zoroya
National Honor Society
AVID Program Members
International Exchange Student
✪ NCC
♦ Monarch
Note: As final action cannot always be taken by the time this program goes to press, this list of diploma candidates is tentative only.
The student’s transcript is the official record of Staley High School
Ceremonial Customs
The pageantry of commencement is rooted in traditions that are centuries old. The following information is designed
to assist you in understanding the significance of these ceremonial rites.
The processional is an official prelude to the commencement ceremony. The Kansas City Celtic Pipes and Drums will
lead the procession, followed by senior class officers carrying the Flag of Learning and Liberty, the three gonfalons
and the bronzed Falcon replica, followed by members of the platform party. Faculty marshals, diploma candidates,
followed by the Staley High School administration will complete the procession.
The commencement marshals, members of the platform party, and Staley High School administration are wearing
academic regalia of the university where they have earned their highest degree. A triangular fold of cloth worn over
the back of the gown is called the hood. The hood is faced with colors which denote the field of study represented by
the wearer’s degree. The various departments are represented by the following hood and honor cord colors:
Bronze ......................................................... Science
Brown ................................................................Art
Citron .................................................. Social Studies
Drab ...........................................................Business
Light Blue ..................................................Education
Maroon ........................... Yearbook, Newspaper & Video
Mint ............................................................... Math
Pink ............................................................... Music
Purple .............................................Modern Language
Orange ............................................ Speech & Theater
Red............................................ Industrial Technology
Sage ................................ Health and Physical Education
Silver .............................................Debate & Forensics
Silver/Black .................................... Student Leadership
Teal .................................Family and Consumer Science
White ..........................................Communication Arts
Gold Medallion Diploma Candidates are wearing gold medallions and gold stoles. National Honor Society recipients
are wearing gold cords. A+ students are wearing black and gold cords. AVID students are wearing Blue and Gold cords.
Students joining the military are wearing honor cords that are red, white, and blue. Beta Club Honor Society recipients
are wearing honor cords that are green and gold.
Staley High School Interpreters
The commencement ceremony will be interpreted by Able Hands.
Photography and Video
Pictures may be purchased from Reed Portrait Group. Reed Portrait Group (RPG) will photograph each graduate as
he or she receives his or her diploma. A color proof will be mailed to each student at no charge and with no obligation
to purchase. If you wish to purchase, information will be mailed to you with the proofs following graduation.
Picture taking and video taping before and after commencement are welcomed. However, we ask that during the
ceremony all guests stay at their seat. You may take pictures or video from that vantage point. Guests will not be able
to come to the stage area during the commencement ceremony.
North Kansas City Schools will have a Communication Department representative capturing candid event photos
this evening. You are welcome to view or download the photographs at NO CHARGE on the district Facebook page
and at the following link: http://www.nkcschools.org/grad-photos. We are pleased to offer live streaming of the
Eighth Annual Commencement ceremony on the front page of the Staley High School website.
Information will be provided at a future date regarding the purchase of a professionally produced DVD for $20.00.
Staley Standard For Commencement Conduct
We ask that all guests refrain from shouting, whistling, or clapping during the reading of your student’s name. We will recognize
all of the graduates as a group after the names have been read. Noisemakers, beach balls, balloons, and other items that could
be disruptive must not be a part of the ceremony. Law Enforcement will escort any student or guest from the graduation
program if the behavior becomes disruptive. An individual may not return once removed from the ceremony.
Staley High School has been ranked among the best high schools in the nation by
U.S. News & World Report. They are ranked as the 11th best in the state of Missouri
and 2nd in the Kansas City, Missouri area.
Class Gifts
Since the inception of Staley High School, senior classes have united to give back to the Falcon
community in a variety of ways. The evidence of past generations of Falcons is distinct and
forever. “Once a Falcon, always a Falcon.”
2010 – Establishment of the Alumni Foundation
2011 – Falcon Plaza Tables
2012 – Bronze Falcon Statue
2013 – Floor Tile Inlay Adjacent to Falcon Fieldhouse & Student Legacy Scholarship
2014 – Digital Carillon Bells
2015 – Vicki Barmann Memorial & Legacy Walk
2016 – Outdoor Classroom & Pavilion