“Do not be afraid of the changes the futures hold. Learn to embrace and hold them.”

Those were comments by the valedictorian of the Class of 2016 at Junction City High School, Natalie Wells. She spoke to 327 JCHS graduates and many in the stadium.

Wells noted she had attended eight different schools during her lifetime, including two high schools. She advised her classmates to surround themselves with good friends and families. She plans to attend Southeastern Louisiana, where she will major in nursing.

Kathryn Westerhaus was the Senior Class President and the Salutatorian. She said to her classmates, “Take a deep breath, follow your heart, work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen throughout your lifetime.” Westerhaus  also told the graduating class, “Always remember that I believe in every single one of you.”

Westerhaus grew up in Junction City and attended JCHS the past four years. She plans to attend Fort Hays State where she will pursue a dual major in Biology and Secondary Education.