Perry County School District 32 will graduate 165 seniors of the Class of 2023 this week. Perryville High School Commencement will be held Friday, May 19 at Perry Park Center beginning at 7 pm.
Drew Layton, who will graduate summa cum laude, has been chosen by classmates and teachers to deliver the student commencement address. Drew is the son of Jeffrey and Meg Layton, and Andi Bogenpohl. He is the grandson of Kenneth and Cheryl Layton, Robert and Barbara Hagan, Richard Baker and the late Sandra Baker, and Jon and Daria Knapp. He has two brothers, Jake and Will, and a sister, Gray.
Drew serves as the Student Council president, National Honor Society vice president, Perryville Pirate Crew Board member, and Inter Club Council chair. While at PHS, Drew has also been a member of FBLA, National Society of High School Scholars, the speech and debate team, soccer, and cross country. He has also been a Missouri Boys State Delegate and is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Drew has been named the Elk’s Student of the Month and has earned the Above and Beyond Award, A Honor Roll (all four years), Scholar of the Week, and the Social Studies Department Award.
Drew thanks his parents for their love and guidance.
“My parents have been the greatest role models in my life, as they have encouraged me to pursue my dreams and goals, no matter how difficult they may have been,” he said. “I have been incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by many teachers, friends, and community members who have molded me into the person that I am today. The model of strength, integrity, and compassion that my many role models have provided me are invaluable.”
He said his favorite memories of high school include the senior-year activities. “My favorite memories include events such as Mr. PHS and Homecoming, as well as when Mr. Cole ripped his landline out of the wall, and supporting our athletic teams at their home games.”
He will attend The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. to pursue a dual major in political science and public administration, with a minor in international relations. He has received the Arnsberg Farmers Mutual Insurance Scholarship, the Perry County Community Task Force DEFY Scholarship, and the Red Cross Scholarship.
In five years, Drew hopes to be serving his community.
“In five years from now, I hope to be pursuing a career in public service by working for the government,” he said. “I am very passionate about the issues that affect our nation and the world, so I hope to utilize my degree to create a better future for all Americans by working on legislation and policy that will make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Cross to address Class of 2023
This year's Commencement Speaker is Dr. John Cross, a mathematics instructor at PHS.
Dr. Cross is a 2023 graduate of Grand Canyon University where he earned his Ph.D. in General Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction.
This year marks Dr. Cross’s 25th year of teaching and his 21st year of teaching at Perryville High School, having taught mainly upper level Mathematics. Dr. Cross is also marking 20 years of teaching as an adjunct professor for Mineral Area College at the Perryville Higher Education center.
Over his 21 years at PHS, Dr. Cross has also sponsored various clubs and organizations. He is currently sponsoring the National Honor Society and the Sophomore Class, and is serving as the class sponsor liaison.
His favorite memory of the class of 2023 is the level of exuberance and passion each member of the class brings to every challenge they endeavor to overcome.