Perryville High School’s graduating Class of 2024 has chosen teacher Kersten Fulmer to deliver the commencement address as they bid farewell to PHS on May 17. Commencement ceremonies begin at 7 pm at Perry Park Center.
Fulmer is a special education teacher at PHS. She joined the staff of Perry County School District 32 in 2018 as an elementary paraprofessional and moved to the high school in 2020. She has been a math resource instructor and co-taught English. Fulmer holds an associate of arts degree in teaching from Mineral Area College, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central Methodist University, and a certification in Special Education K-12. Next year, she will teach self-contained core classes in a special education setting.
She has one son, Jaxson, and is the daughter of Jerry and Jessica Gunter, and Paul and Jennifer Fulmer.
“Being selected as the commencement speaker is an honor and a privilege I never imagined I would receive,” she said. “As much as I value my relationships with my students, I did not realize how many students I’ve been able to impact in a positive light in just four short years. Teaching is my passion but my students are my greatest reason.
“I also enjoy teaching at PHS because I love the community feel I get from my co-workers. Being a teacher has given me a greater purpose and an opportunity to change the world, one child at a time by creating a brighter future for everyone.”
Fulmer says that the PHS Class of 2024 is special, and she plans to give them a unique viewpoint on adulthood and what’s important in life through her speech.
“I would like the world to know just how capable, intelligent, and determined this amazing group of students is,” she said. “ It’s a scary thing knowing our future lies in the hands of those younger than us; however, I feel no fear knowing these are the young people that will carry us through. The world shines brighter because of them.”