By Monty Siekerman

Sixty-five seniors (including 14 from Apollo Career Center) graduated at Ada High School on a hot and humid Sunday afternoon in the high school gymnasium.

The Class of 2016 commencement featured the high school band, a moment of reflection by Sidney Faine, a welcome by Principal Robin VanBuskirk, greetings from Apollo Career Center by Pam Downing.

After two choir numbers, Superintendent Suzanne Darmer announced the salutatorian and eight valedictorians. 

Retired teacher D. lyn Davis gave the commencement address. 

After receiving their diplomas, the Class of 2016 recessed from the gym to "Fanfare and Recessional" played by the band...beginning new lives as high school graduates.

Class motto: "Behind us are memories. Beside us are friends. Before us are dreams that will never end."

Class colors: purple and gold.

Class flower: apple blossom.

Class officers: Blake Willeke, president; Sidney Faine, vice president; Casey Swick, secretary; Olivia Gondor, treasurer. Melody Veltri is class advisor.