Warsaw Community Schools held commencement for the Class of 2022 on Friday for 465 students and their families.
In all, 509 students earned diplomas or certificates of attendance, including six exchange students, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools.
Troy Akers, WCHS principal, and Ronna Kawsky, WACC director and principal, joined Dr. David Hoffert, WCS superintendent, to present diplomas. Also present were WCHS and WACC administrators, guidance counselors, teachers and the Board of School Trustees Heather Reichenbach, president; Randy Polston, vice president; Jeremy Mullins, secretary; Mike Coon, Matt Deuel, Brad Johnson and Elle Turley, members.
The Class of 2022 class flower is the snapdragon. Class colors are gold and sage green. The class motto is, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory” by Dr. Seuss.
The Class of 2022 principal is David Bailey and the senior counselor is Scott Seney, with support from co-directors Sarah Graham and Luisa Davis. In addition, WCS thanks all involved in planning and participating in commencement, including the Board of School Trustees, WCS cabinet, Brad Anderson, Don Swartzentruber, Ginger Barnes, Karen Dubbeld, Ellen Stayer, Officer Brandon Zartman, Sam Cook, Jim LeMasters, Mandy Bailey and custodial staff, the news release states.
The program began with a multimedia presentation of baby photos and senior photos submitted to Mia Scutchfield, senior class president. Following that, the JROTC performed the presentation of colors to the national anthem. The Festival Choir was led by Cassandra Petrie. A welcome address was given by Akers and then by Hannah Shapiro, student body president. After a moment of remembrance for Kurt Engler, the commencement address was given by Jessica Pogue.
Hoffert delivered the superintendent’s remarks. Leading with the mission, Hoffert shared a few of his favorite opening lines from popular literature.
Hoffert said, “For many of you, your story with Warsaw Schools started 13 years ago with a statement of ‘Welcome to your first day of kindergarten. We are so excited to have you in our class.’ Sometimes it is hard to believe, although at times it might not have felt like it, how fast those 13 years have gone and we are here at graduation for the class of 2022.”
Continuing with the metaphor, Hoffert said, “Your chapter is also leaving a legacy in the 177-year history of Warsaw Schools. You have all set the bar high in new and unimaginable ways. You will be missed, yet we will be watching your story unfold and the new chapters unfold from afar.”
WCHS recognized top students. Graduates wore honor cords designating their level of academic achievement. Those achieving a grade point average (GPA) 3.75-3.99 — Cum Laude, “with honor” wore orange. White for a GPA of 4.00-4.24 — Magna Cum Laude, “with great honor.” Gold for GPA 4.25 and above — Summa Cum Laude, “with highest honor.” WACC Career Academy graduate wore purple cords. National Honor Society students wore stoles. Students recognized for achieving a Certificate of Multilingual Proficiency, wore medallions.
The Presentation of the Class of 2022 diplomas began with Emelyn Aca-Zempoaltecatl and concluded with Nathan Riley Ziegler. The honor of leading the turning of the tassels was given to Scutchfield. Fireworks lit the evening sky in celebration.
The press release states, “Warsaw Community Schools would like to thank community partners Warsaw Police Department, WIOE, Blossers, MAB Productions, Mobile Technologies, and Open Air Garden. Congratulations and best wishes for bright futures to all in the Class of 2022!”
