Seniors At Wawasee High School Celebrate Graduation
SYRACUSE — The Wawasee High School graduating class of 2018 took their first steps toward adulthood and a future career path today, Sunday, June 3.
Dr. Tom Edington, Wawasee Community School Corp. superintendent, welcomed everyone who came to celebrate this once in a lifetime moment with Wawasee High School’s 50th graduating class. Senior class president, Rosalie Garro then took a moment to welcome everyone. Everyone stood as Vocal Motion performed the National Anthem and then the seniors entered the gymnasium in pairs.
An invocation was done by one of the graduating seniors, Jairus Boyer, followed by Brett Willaman introducing this year’s salutatorian, Isaiah Metcalf. “We have finally made it. This is the end of the road,” Metcalf began in his speech. He offered nuggets of wisdom he’s learned thus far on life, friendship and faith. “We have all accomplished so much. But you must remember to stay humble and remember where you came from,” he entreats his fellow seniors.
The song “No Day But Today” was performed by Vocal Motion with senior members of choir joining the performance. Meghan Beer then introduced the class valedictorian, Clayton Hicks, claiming that he finally won the contest of who is the smartest cousin.
“I’d like to welcome everyone to my 18th birthday bash,” Hicks started as he is also celebrating his birthday today. He went on to thank his family, teachers and God and discuss specific memories from each year of high school ending with the most important lesson. “The most dangerous things to bring to class are backpacks, blankets and short skirts,” he recalls. “Life does not present itself as a 12 point scale. It throws itself at you,” Hicks continues. He suggests his classmates work to find themselves by quoting lines from a Fergie song and simply be who they are.
Kim Nguyen, Wawasee High School principal, then gave a farewell address to the graduating class followed by a representative of the class of 1969, Dino Coverstone. The principal for the class of 1969, Henry Smith, then spoke to the students. He stated that his position as principal was his favorite job bar none and then asked all the seniors to stand while he led them in spelling Wawasee.
Nguyen presented each student with their diploma as Steve Perek, assistant principal, read off the names. Vocal Motion followed with the “Wawasee High School Hymn” before Hicks and Metcalf returned to the stage to lead the tassel turning ceremony followed by confetti cannons.
Jordan Ethridge, a graduating senior, ended the commencement with a benediction before the 2018 senior class made their way outside to “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by Dr. Joyce Dubach. To celebrate their new status as high school graduates they ended with the tradition of throwing their caps in the air.