Collinsville High School graduates 470 seniors during 143rd commencement ceremony

By Devese “Dee” Ursery

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COLLINSVILLE — Collinsville High School hosted its 143rd commencement with the overall theme and message being persevere.

The CHS graduating class of 2024 ushered 470 seniors across the stage on May 11. The event was  held in Fletcher Gymnasium, at CHS where it was packed to the rafters with family, friends and loved ones all coming out to honor their students. 

2024 CHS Valedictorian, Adam Reiniger praised his senior class for their determination and dedication to successfully completing the mission of making it to the graduation stage. Not just a scholar, Reiniger plays for the school’s soccer team and participates in the Soccer Club. He said that his senior class showed grit by pushing through adversity and staying the course.

Reiniger said that in his speech he wanted to wish his classmates good luck on their future endeavors. “We’ve worked hard for this and been through a lot of challenges, today’s our day, so go have fun,” Reiniger continued.

Persevering is the word Reiniger used to describe his fellow graduating seniors because their entrance into high school was a little different than most. 

“We had to figure it out on our own and kind of do things differently. And then there’s just so many of us who have outside jobs and are doing so many other things, as well as earning their high school diploma, so I think we are just a group of hard working kids,” Reiniger said.

“We all had expectations for our first year, some that were met and many that we’re still awaiting. High school is more than just sitting in a classroom. It’s a time to make new friends and get involved in things that interest you. Sure it can be scary at times and some days were better than others, but we were able to overcome everything that was thrown our way.”

The challenges we have faced these past four years have developed us into better stronger people than before and prepared us to go our separate ways into the world. I know you have heard this many times before, but time truly does fly by. It doesn’t feel like our time at Collinsville should be over already

Reiniger said he’s really living in the moment right now but  plans to attend a four-year university as well as continue to play soccer. Within five years Reiniger plans to either be working full-time or playing professional soccer.

“My mom is the most impactful person in my life. She’s been through a lot and she just always shows me that, if you stay strong you can get through anything, if you keep trying,” Reiniger said. “Today we say goodbye to the teachers and classmates that we spent everyday with for the past four years and today we can finally say that we did it.”

Stephen Kissel, a 2005 CHS graduate was presented the Alumni Achievement Award during the commencement ceremony by Collinsville Community Unit School District No.10 President Gary Peccola. 

Kissel was born with congenital cataracts and limited eyesight. He persevered despite his challenges to become a straight ‘A’ student and Eagle Scout. He lost his vision completely during his senior year at CHS, but never lost sight of his goals.

Kissel also addressed the 2024 graduates and their families with a message of overcoming adversity.

“In addition to studying for AP exams and applying to colleges, I was also having to completely rethink how I functioned on a daily basis and I was having to come to terms with the reality that one of my five senses was irreversibly gone,” Kissler said. “There are days when it still is challenging and yes it was a little scary at first, but somehow giving up was never an option. I was still determined to graduate on time and to begin getting ready for college.” 

Kissel is a U.S. History professor in Indiana at a small town called Oakland City University, near Evansville, Indiana. He earned his bachelor’s degree at McKendree University in Lebanon where he graduated in 2009. Kissel earned his master’s and doctorate at St. Louis University, which he completed in 2017.

“It’s a great little community, I really love it there, but this is always home,” Kissel said. “I always make sure to come home for visits and holiday breaks.”

Kissel has served as a board member for Mind’s Eye Radio in Belleville, and worked with organizations including St. Louis Lighthouse for the Blind and the City Arch Riverfront Universal Design Group to assess and improve accessibility for those with disabilities. His involvement helped remove barriers for the visually impaired at venues including the Fox Theater in St. Louis, the Gateway Arch National Park and Museum of Westward Expansion, according to official documents. He is also the author  of the book ‘America’s Religious Crossroads – Faith and Community in the Emerging Midwest.’

“For me it was my family, close friends and mentors and my faith and trust in God that sustained me, and it still sustains me to this day,” Kissel said. “My parents have always encouraged me through their unwavering love and support.“

Kissel said that his brother continues to challenge him to step outside of his comfort zone to try new adventures. Adventures that have included snow skiing and a high ropes course.

If you ever get to a point in your life where you start to think that it’s impossible… trust me, it’s possible. I have been skiing on the slopes of Breckenridge, Colorado  and lived to tell the story. I’ve completed my doctorate and seen a book through to publication. I still enjoy movie nights and bike rides with the family, as much as I used to and I get to go to work everyday to teach subjects I am passionate about sharing and to help educate the next generation of young leaders.

Karley Jo Jackson, 2024 class vice president was honored to have the opportunity to speak today. 

“I would like to thank the faculty, parents, friends, distinguished guests and my fellow classmates for being here today, impacting our lives and guiding us through high school. I also wanted to take a moment for those who weren’t able to complete this journey with us or be here to see our journeys completed,” Jackson said.

“The phrase ‘high school flies by’ has been repeated to us thousands of times and I didn’t fully comprehend those words until now when I am about to graduate and it’s finally soaking in. It feels like yesterday when we had our first day of freshman year and we only got to see each other through a screen.”

Jackson said that even though her and her classmates are moving on to the next chapter in their lives, they should take the time to take a second to appreciate the present and reflect on the past. She showed appreciation to parents, mentors and teachers that helped their students get to this point in their lives.

“Parents and guardians, although we are growing up and moving on we will never forget the times you have been there for us throughout the years,” Jackson said. “From dressing up for the first day of Kindergarten, to helping us put on our caps and gowns, you’ve inspired and supported us to reach this next step.”

According to CHS Principal Daniel Toberman CHS students earned $4.9 million in scholarships. He said not only is high school about academics, but it’s also about the memories that they have created. 

Toberman said that the character of the 2024 class is that they have character.

“They’re interesting people and not shy when it comes to community or school involvement,” Toberman said. “I just think over the course of not just this year, but every year in the band, in the drama, and athletics. It’s just a lot  of interesting people who are going to do interesting things.”