Manteno High School Announces Graduating Class of 2023

By: Madeleine Willis 

The Commencement Ceremony for Manteno High School’s graduating class of 2023 took place on Sunday, May 21st, 2023. 

145 seniors received diplomas this past weekend. Two students made addresses to their fellow classmates, Valedictorian Nalatie Meyer, and Salutatorian Ethan Godsey. 

Natalie Meyer, the Valedictorian of the Class of 2023, felt a sense of pride addressing her peers that she has grown up with for the past 13 years. 

Meyer described her achievement of being named Valedictorian as “the best feeling ever.” 

“It wasn’t always the easiest thing to do,” she said, “I knew what it would be like to achieve that goal and so I think that’s what kept driving me to get there.” 

Meyer has large ambitions for the future; she has been directly enrolled in the University of Iowa’s Pharmacy program as part of their assured admissions program for incoming freshmen.  

At the commencement ceremony, Meyer spoke a lot about passion. In her next chapter at the University of Iowa, she is looking forward to honing in on her passions and helping people in an even greater capacity. 

Ethan Godsey was named the Class of 2023 Salutatorian and also made an address to his class. In 7th grade, Godsey set the goal for himself to be named the Salutatorian and give a speech at graduation. 

“We’ve got some really smart kids in our grade, so to be able to call myself Salutatorian, especially of that class, I am very happy,” he said. 

Godsey plans to attend Illinois Wesleyan to study Kinesiology and Business. Godsey will also be a member of Wesleyan’s track and field team. 

Looking forward to college, Godsey plans on living in the moment. He believes college is set up so that he may further explore himself. 

Upon reflection of his time at MHS, Godsey said he will miss his teacher’s the most. 

“We have teachers that care about the students and not about just teaching them,” he said, “They teach you life lessons rather than normal curriculum stuff.”

Meyer also spoke to the people and faculty at MHS.

“I will miss…the sense of community the high school has given me,” Meyer said