Members of the Class of 2017 were honored for their efforts in the classroom, athletics, and citizenship throughout the community.

At the beginning of the program, Principal Brent Jorth encouraged those present to keep two senior classmates in their thoughts and prayers.

“As many of you know in this room, we didn’t start the week the way we wanted to,” said Jorth.

Senior classmates Nicole Sweazey and Nathan Reed were involved in a very unfortunate car accident on Sunday. Both were transported to Des Moines and are currently in intensive care and recovery. “It is with a heavy heart we gather tonight to recognize many of their peers,” Jorth said. “I want us to keep those two in our prayers and thoughts as we continue to work through the rest of this week’s activities.”

Luke Bergeson, Janson Bergman, Al Yungclas, Erin Bahrenfuss and Bryan Ferrell are picture during the presentation of the Noon Kiwanis Scholarship Award Wednesday night at Prem Sahai Auditorium.

A number of community members and local organizations were also at Wednesday’s event to present scholarships, certificates and other awards to the graduating class.

The awards ceremony was followed by a senior supper and baccalaureate service.

For more photos and list of awards, see page 5.

Rhonda Nelson presented the Donald F. Ross Scholarship to Jessica Carlson Wednesday night.

The Blairsburg & Williams Lions Club Scholarship was presented to Kory Massman, Zachary Hassebrock and Nicholas Wallen.

Sally Greenfield presented the Northeast Foundation Scholarship to Nicholas Wallen, Devyn Van Kooten, Kory Massman and Zachary Hassebrock.

Heather Powers presented the CSSNA Art Department award to Jake Nilles.

Cole Briese was honored by fellow student Tyler Nelson with a Lynx Legacy Award Wednesday night at Prem Sahai Auditorium.

WCHS P.E. Instructor Catherine Schroeder presented an Anonymous Girls Golf Scholarship to Brianna Westendorf, left, and Madalyn Cassady, right.