On Saturday, November 22, at 11 a.m. six senior-athletes along with their family, friends, and coaches shuffled through the wooden doors of the MHS library.

They listened to short, yet poignant speeches from Principal Dr. Greg Mathison and Activities Director Shane Matzen about their time spent as Mustangs and about looking ahead to the future.

Daniel Covert, Nick Rauber, Kevin Ganahl, Monica Ryan, Allison Matlock, and Matt Wagoner took their place before teary-eyed family members equipped with eager faces, smartphones, and professional cameras.

They each sat in anticipation before, one-by-one, listing off their names and where they will be continuing their athletic careers.

Wagoner will attend Drury University to continue his soccer career.

Matlock will attend Hannibal-LaGrange University to continue her softball career.

Ryan will attend Saint Louis University to continue her field hockey career.

Ganahl will attend Saint Louis University to continue his track and cross country career.

Rauber will attend Benedictine College to continue his baseball career.

Covert will attend Maryville University to continue his baseball career.

When their families asked for pictures, each athlete picked up the ballpoint pen lying in front of them, looked down at the cream-colored keepsake “contract” before them, and pretended to sign his or her name along the line.

Most of them were too excited and had already signed.