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1928 and 1932 Highlands diplomas.
Highlands Diplomas
Highlands Diplomas
Donor: Albert V. Stegeman, class of 1891, Elsie Louise Bloesing, class of 1928, Helen Krehnbrink Thompson, class of 1932, Carole Thompson Onest, class of 1956
Author: Amelia Graves, Kinley Manning & Priscilla Alford, class of 2029
Story Contributors: Stephanie Graves, class of 1964, John Darnell, Rebecca Eaton, class of 2019, and Highlands High School Film and Broadcasting
Web Page Designer: Lilly Ahlfeld, class of 2028
It's the final days of senior year at Highlands High School. Excitement fills the air as students prepare for the big moment, the walk across the stage (or football field) to receive their diplomas, showing students 4 years of hardwork, growth, and memories.
Every May, Highlands High School holds a graduation ceremony for all graduating seniors. As a close and involved community, this ceremony isn't just for seniors and staff; it's for parents, too. When you graduate, you receive a diploma, a diploma highlights all of the activities and accomplishments achieved during high school. Albert V. Stegeman(1891), Elsie Louise Bloesing (1928), Helen Krehnbrick Thompson(1932), and Carol Thompson Onest(1956), are all graduates from Highlands who have cherished their diplomas. All three students graduated in different time periods.
1891, Highlands High School diploma
Graduating isn't just about receiving a diploma; it's also about the memorable experiences that lead you there. One Highlands tradition is a senior boat cruise. Rebecca Eaton, a proud Highlands alumna, still remembers her graduation journey and unforgettable moments from that night.
“There was the senior boat cruise, so we did that with B & B River Boats… in the evening… we went down there and we had dinner and it was just all of the seniors that went and just got to hang out for the time of the route, which was about 2 hours,” Eaton said.
Eaton is one of the more recent graduates, but Albert V. Stegeman was one of the first people to graduate from Highlands High School. As the school and the town have evolved over the years, the diplomas have as well. For example, one difference in Stegeman's diploma from 1891 to a modern day diploma is that his classes are different from the classes we have today, all of his classes are listed on his diploma, and since the town was called Highlands in 1891, his diploma says Highlands, KY.
The outside and inside of Helen Krehnbrink Thompson Diploma, from 1932
The 1928 and 1932 diplomas belonged to graduates Helen Krehnbrick Thompson and Elsie Louise Bloesing. Their diplomas represent their accomplishments and achievements during their years at Highlands High School.
“What we are hoping we’re saying as a school district is that when you receive that diploma at graduation you are prepared to be successful in life. I think the symbolism behind what it actually says is why it's so important and why people hold onto things like that. Not only is there a sense of accomplishment that you all did something amazing; it also signifies you're prepared for what's next,” Darnell said.
Although Highlands traditions are the same, Highlands itself over the years has changed drastically. One thing that has changed is the buildings on Highlands’ campus. In 1914, they broke ground for the original south building. In 1937, the United States Works Progress Administration funded the addition of the north building, doubling the size of the campus. After the devastating 1962 fire, the south building had to be reconstructed on the same spot as the original building. It was renovated again in 2015.
“It was in the same location, but that was the original school that was built in 1917, and it's the school from which your great grandparents graduated, but I actually didn't because in January of 1962, there was a huge fire,” Stephanie Graves (‘64) said.
Class of 1956, Carol Thompson Onest, also known as “Tommy,” was said to be a strong and independent person during her time at Highlands. As the most recent graduate of the donors, her diploma is the most modern of the three. For example the 1932 diploma is vertical and is made from velvet-sheen and gold engraved leather as Thompson's diploma is horizontal and made from leather.
“Capable, dependable, true steel, what more need be said,” senior quote by Thompson.
The school, graduation, and diplomas have evolved over the years but one thing that has remained constant is the impact and importance they have on the traditions and reputation Highlands has today.
Carole Thompson Onests diploma, from 1956
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