Pictured, from left, are Warsaw Community High School Principal Troy Akers; WCHS graduates Colton Martin, Emiliano Juarez-Torres, Morgan Johnson, Garrett Hall, and Bryce Duncan; and WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert. Photo provided by Warsaw Community schools.

Press Release

WARSAW — On the evening of Wednesday, May 31, Warsaw Community Schools proudly celebrated the first graduates of 2023 in a memorable graduation ceremony.

This distinctive event honored the outstanding achievements of the boys’ track and field state qualifiers: Colton Martin, Emiliano Juarez-Torres, Morgan Johnson, Garrett Hall, and Bryce Duncan, who will all be competing at the Indiana High School Athletic Association state finals in Bloomington on June 2 and unable to attend the scheduled Warsaw Community High School commencement ceremony.

During the special ceremony, the graduates were recognized for their academic accomplishments and their remarkable representation of the school in the state track and field competition. As a special tribute, each graduate proudly wore an exclusive honor cord, their track shoes, symbolizing their achievements and their dedication to their sport.

Warsaw Community School Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert, also a former WCHS graduate and track and field state finalist, shared a heartfelt blessing.

“May you compete with all the heart and determination of the senior role models you are,” said Hoffert. “May the wind be always at your back on both straightaways and in the ring propelling you forward. May your shoes always stay tied (as a former coach, please double-knot them.) May your handoffs be crisp and the baton always in your grasp. May the Tigers be the fastest and strongest of all the animals and mascots competing in the ring and on the track. More than anything, may you celebrate by creating positive memories of your special graduation as a Warsaw Tiger.”

In addition to the track and field state qualifiers, additional early graduates, Josh Pratt and Sabrina Wallen, were recognized for their inspiring achievements and their ability to overcome adversity.

“Commencement is the pinnacle for all high school seniors, and last night was no exception,” said WCHS Principal Troy Akers. “Each year we have particular circumstances which necessitate flexibility. This year was no different. I want to thank Dr. Hoffert and our school board for allowing us to conduct small ceremonies when necessary. We were delighted to provide a deserving group of seniors with their diplomas. Parents, friends, and other guests celebrated this accomplishment with us. The evening was a huge success.”