Thursday, May 22, 2025
Vol. 5, No. 40
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
FULL CIRCLE By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
On a beautiful day, 75 PCM seniors heard their name called out as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas and start the next phase of their lives. Graduation marks not only an ending but also a start for young men and women. Valedictorian Harlan Shannon spoke to his classmates about where they had been and where they were going, wishing everyone the best on their next adventure. Student body president Addison Steenhoek reminisced about memories the class had throughout the years and shared words from her favorite song, “The Climb,” as an inspiration for them moving forward. Hoots and hollers rang out as each graduate crossed the stage and the entire stadium broke out in applause as the PCM Class of 2025 was introduced as the newest graduates from the school. The seniors accomplished a lot during
PCM seniors give a cheer as they walk out with their diplomas at graduation 2025
their years at PCM and were recently recognized for their hard work. Community groups, businesses and residents came together May 14 to show appreciation for the group during the annual senior scholarship and awards night. The scholarships and awards included: • Altar & Rosary Society, Immaculate Conception Parish — Brelee Berger • Chapter BH P.E.O. Monroe — Stella Stravers • Chapter AV, P.E.O. Prairie City — Kylie Lewis; Monroe Kiwanis Club — Jake Winter, Addison Steenhoek • PCM Supplies & More — Sawyer Bouwkamp; Leighton State Bank — Meredith Chipps, Kaden Clark • Two Rivers Cooperative — Rylee DeHaai, Meredith Chipps • Monroe Women’s Club — Taylor Fairbanks, Chloe Sloan • Prairie City Business Association — Alyce Engle GRADUATION | 4
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer PCM’s newest alumni Tate Birkenholtz and Jaylyn DeVries celebrate graduating with the Class of 2025 at the end of the ceremony on May 18.
Jasper County veterans arrive in droves for recognition day at State Capitol
REMEMBERING THEIR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
Ceremony stresses importance of honoring service 50 years after Vietnam War ended
National Police Week Ceremony pays tribute to officers who died while serving their communities By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Everywhere you looked you saw a Jasper County veteran. They arrived to the Iowa State Capitol on a pair of buses. Several others drove their own vehicles with families or were chauffeured with a son or daughter. Many wore red or yellow T-shirts with the words “Jasper County Veteran” stitched over their hearts. It is estimated about a hundred veterans from Jasper County attended the Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day on May 14. The annual ceremony takes place on the south side of the capitol grounds near the
Jasper County law enforcement officers participated in the National
Police Week Ceremony on May 15 in the town square of Newton. Every year, law enforcement CEREMONY | 4
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Veterans from Jasper County board a bus to attend the Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day ceremony on May 14 at the Iowa State Capitol grounds in Des Moines.
Iowa Vietnam War Memorial Wall. Local veterans say it is quite the ordeal and it draws big crowds. “I’ve been there once before,” said Vietnam veteran David Elliott. “We go out there and they have someone come in to give a
speech, and it’s recognition for people like me that have served their country. To me, it feels good to be recognized. Things were not favorable for us fellas when we came back.” VETERANS | 3
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Local law enforcement participate in the National Police Week Ceremony on May 15 at the Jasper County Courthouse in Newton.
WINDY AND WILD FUN NIGHT
‘Kindergarten here we come!’
The PCM Elementary PTO annual Fun Night might have moved inside due to the weather but hundreds of families came out to celebrate at the end-of-year event
PCM preschoolers celebrate the beginning of their school journey with graduation May 16
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Kids play on inflatables in the PCM Middle School gym during the PCM Elementary PTO annual Fun Night May 16.
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Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Dressed in their own cap and gowns, preschoolers at PCM put on a show for friends and family during graduation May 16. The kids sang interactive songs and received their own “diplomas,” marking the end of one chapter and beginning of another.
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