KCAU 9 celebrates 2024’s Best of the Class

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — KCAU 9 celebrated another group of students full of endless possibilities. From future doctors, to welders, to entrepreneurs, KCAU 9 has been celebrating Siouxland’s Best of the Class since 1983.

2024 marks the 41st year that KCAU 9 has brought all of Siouxland’s high school valedictorians together for a special sendoff.

Siouxland’s best and brightest were brought to the Orpheum Theatre for a special lunch and program to congratulate them on their efforts.

While at the Orpheum, the students also took part in the taping of specially produced senior salutes that will air on KCAU 9 over the weeks to come.

Many of the students will be moving on to college, entering the military or entering the workforce with many memories to look back on. KCAU 9 asked some of these students what concerns they have about entering college this fall.

“My biggest fear is probably leaving my family,” Abilyn Schneider from Humphrey High School said. “Not having them by my side is probably definitely going to be a struggle.

“Just if I can pass everything or not, I guess,” Peyton Work from Sioux Center High School said. “‘Cause obviously I don’t want to fail, and yeah, failure’s bad.”

“I’m adjusting,” Landon Greve from Harris-Lake Park High School said. “Overall I think I’m a little nervous just because I’m not sure if I have everything prepared.”

“Having to leave your family, make new friends, but also money,” Abigail Kromarek from Plainview High School said. “Every college kid is scared about money and all that. So just being able to pay for all my own stuff and have a job throughout college.”

This year, more than 120 schools from the Siouxland area had students participate in the Best of the Class event. The students honored have spent the last 13 years working towards this goal, and KCAU 9 is proud to be able to honor these students.

Graduation ceremonies for schools here in Sioux City begin with North High’s on May 20, West High’s on May 21, and East High’s on May 22. Bishop Heelan and South Sioux City will host their graduation ceremonies on May 19.

Want to see who participated in this year’s Best of the Class? Click here!

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.