Richland County High School awards diplomas to Class of 2025

Richland County Community Unit School District 1 held its commencement for the Richland County High School Class of 2025 at Ron Heron Gymnasium in Olney, Illinois, where graduates received diplomas, academic honors were recognized and student speakers delivered reflections and advice to family and community members.

The ceremony highlighted student achievement: principal Daryl Houchin noted the senior class’s improved attendance this year and recognition of scholarships and awards, and Superintendent Jason Faz presented the class candidates before diplomas were conferred.

Houchin, Richland County High School principal, told graduates, “Today is about celebrating your achievements, reflecting on what you've been through and what you've overcome and now turning to your future.” He also praised the class for attendance that he said averaged about 95 to 96 percent during their senior year and thanked staff and community volunteers for the ceremony setup.

The program recognized students who earned academic scholarships to nearby colleges and universities and said students received more than $200,000 in awards announced at the annual senior awards program. Houchin also noted that 31 percent of the seniors were members of the Richland County Honor Society (wearing gold cords) and that roughly 50 percent of graduates earned honors or high honors during their senior year. The school also identified department top seniors and announced levels of academic distinction tied to grade-point averages and capstone completion: the transcript described thresholds of cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude tied to GPA bands and required capstone counts.

Student speakers framed graduation as a transition. Elizabeth Vale, senior class vice president, said, “This isn't the end of our season. It's only the beginning,” and urged classmates to view the moment as the start of new chapters. Rayden Beard told classmates the ceremony was a “launchpad” to continued growth, urging graduates to choose purpose and surround themselves with supportive people. Student speakers Jack Williams and Selena Fuentes spoke about the small-town community and encouraged peers to use their experiences as a foundation for future choices.

Superintendent Jason Faz addressed graduates on behalf of the school board and administration, urging them to “step into the future” with confidence and integrity and to “make mistakes, take risks, learn from them.” Assistant Principal Ryan Rusk announced graduate names as board members presented diplomas.

The program also included a performance by the RCHS choir ensemble under director Warren White and multiple recognitions for career and pathway completions: students were acknowledged for completion of the OCC C.A.M.A. program, the Future Farmers of America degree, the Future Teachers pathway, TRIO participation, Tri-M music honors and the CEO program. Several students were also singled out for state recognition such as Illinois State Scholar designation and the state seal of biliteracy for high proficiency in English and another language.

The ceremony closed with senior vice president McQueenna Snyder leading the tassel turn; Snyder asked students to move their tassels from right to left to mark the conferral of degrees.

For the record, members of the Richland County Community Unit School District 1 Board of Education were introduced on stage: Scott Snyder (board president), Jeff Wilson (vice president; noted as ill and absent), Cindy Logley (secretary), Dennis Anderson, Jake Anderson, Cindy Bailey and Dusty Coker. School staff and volunteers acknowledged by name included Terry Milburn (custodial), Nellie Berry (organizer), Heather Caldwell (support) and others who assisted with technology and staging.