WHS Class of 2011 celebrates what was and what is yet to come
“We’re excited about the gorgeous day and the reason we’re here and that’s to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2011.”
With those words Principal Anita Jorney-Gifford welcomed family and friends of the Class of 2011 to Wooster High School’s 143rd commencement ceremonies at Follis Field June 5 under cloudless blue skies.
For the speakers and the graduates it was time to look back at what was and to look forward to what is to come.
“We’ve competed in more than 1,218 varsity level games, matches and meets winning 16 OCC or league championships. We published over 60 Blades and faced off in more than 80 speech and debate tournaments. We’ve awed the audience in nearly 250 musical performances and acted in seven plays and musicals,” said co-valedictorian Andrew Kreuzman, adding, “I’m confident we can handle whatever challenges may lie ahead…So go with confidence. Go boldly.
“Graduating from high school won’t be the most important thing to happen to any of us but it does mark one of the largest changes in our lives thus far,” said Kreuzman. “From now on your life is yours to live.”
Kreuzman noted that during their four years the graduates heard “22,568 bells in high school telling us when to go to class, leave class, eat and go home. That’s over. After today your life will be regulated not by bells but by you. From now on your life is in your hands. High school was just the beginning.”
Co-valedictorian Constantine Nicolozakes noted that no matter each graduate’s future plans, “we share one thing in common. We are moving on to greater things.”
After being molded by parents, teachers and coaches for 18 years, “now each and every one of us has a unique opportunity and responsibility to grow and pursue the dream of who we want to be.
“Take advantage of every opportunity you are afforded and make your own in the process. Strive to exceed the expectations of your parents, your peers, and, most importantly, yourselves,” said Nicolozakes. “We are all capable of great things.”
“Though today is the end of a major segment of our lives, we have the rest of our lives to look forward to,” said co-valedictorian Chelsea Zhu.
Quoting an old Chinese proverb, “what the caterpillar calls an end the rest of the world calls a butterfly,” Zhu noted “it’s time to officially graduate and fly on to our new beginnings.”
Before formally conferring their high school diplomas, Superintendent Michael Tefs noted the significant academic accomplishments of the Class of 2011.
According to Tefs, of the 285 graduates, 47 percent graduated with honors. In total, the members of the Class of 2011 earned $2.5 million worth of college scholarships.
After recognizing the accomplishments of Salutatorian Martina Fraga and saluting the members of the graduating class who will be entering the military with a standing ovation, the graduates stepped forward one by one to accept their diplomas.
In a day filled with emotion, one touching moment stood out.
As class advisor Misty Bisesi made her way through the roll call of graduates, she paused before reading the name of a fellow student who died in an automobile accident after her freshman year. As Jessica Schmucker’s name was read, all those in attendance stood and applauded.
As the ceremonies drew to a close, the new graduates locked arms to sing the song they had sung so many times before during their four years at Wooster High School – the Alma Mater. As the Symphonic Band played the last note of the song, graduation caps flew through the air and the celebration began.
With those words Principal Anita Jorney-Gifford welcomed family and friends of the Class of 2011 to Wooster High School’s 143rd commencement ceremonies at Follis Field June 5 under cloudless blue skies.
For the speakers and the graduates it was time to look back at what was and to look forward to what is to come.
“We’ve competed in more than 1,218 varsity level games, matches and meets winning 16 OCC or league championships. We published over 60 Blades and faced off in more than 80 speech and debate tournaments. We’ve awed the audience in nearly 250 musical performances and acted in seven plays and musicals,” said co-valedictorian Andrew Kreuzman, adding, “I’m confident we can handle whatever challenges may lie ahead…So go with confidence. Go boldly.
“Graduating from high school won’t be the most important thing to happen to any of us but it does mark one of the largest changes in our lives thus far,” said Kreuzman. “From now on your life is yours to live.”
Kreuzman noted that during their four years the graduates heard “22,568 bells in high school telling us when to go to class, leave class, eat and go home. That’s over. After today your life will be regulated not by bells but by you. From now on your life is in your hands. High school was just the beginning.”
Co-valedictorian Constantine Nicolozakes noted that no matter each graduate’s future plans, “we share one thing in common. We are moving on to greater things.”
After being molded by parents, teachers and coaches for 18 years, “now each and every one of us has a unique opportunity and responsibility to grow and pursue the dream of who we want to be.
“Take advantage of every opportunity you are afforded and make your own in the process. Strive to exceed the expectations of your parents, your peers, and, most importantly, yourselves,” said Nicolozakes. “We are all capable of great things.”
“Though today is the end of a major segment of our lives, we have the rest of our lives to look forward to,” said co-valedictorian Chelsea Zhu.
Quoting an old Chinese proverb, “what the caterpillar calls an end the rest of the world calls a butterfly,” Zhu noted “it’s time to officially graduate and fly on to our new beginnings.”
Before formally conferring their high school diplomas, Superintendent Michael Tefs noted the significant academic accomplishments of the Class of 2011.
According to Tefs, of the 285 graduates, 47 percent graduated with honors. In total, the members of the Class of 2011 earned $2.5 million worth of college scholarships.
After recognizing the accomplishments of Salutatorian Martina Fraga and saluting the members of the graduating class who will be entering the military with a standing ovation, the graduates stepped forward one by one to accept their diplomas.
In a day filled with emotion, one touching moment stood out.
As class advisor Misty Bisesi made her way through the roll call of graduates, she paused before reading the name of a fellow student who died in an automobile accident after her freshman year. As Jessica Schmucker’s name was read, all those in attendance stood and applauded.
As the ceremonies drew to a close, the new graduates locked arms to sing the song they had sung so many times before during their four years at Wooster High School – the Alma Mater. As the Symphonic Band played the last note of the song, graduation caps flew through the air and the celebration began.
Published: June 9, 2011
