Warsaw Community Schools Holds Commencement For Class Of 2023
Warsaw Community Schools Holds Commencement For Class Of 2023
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Staff Report-
Warsaw Community Schools Holds Commencement For Class Of 2023On Friday, Warsaw Community Schools held the commencement for the Class of 2023.
The ceremony, held at the Tiger Athletic Complex (TAC) on Fisher Field, was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, according to a news release from WCS. A total of 475 students received diplomas or certificates of attendance, symbolizing their achievements and readiness to embark on new chapters in their lives.
Troy Akers, Warsaw Community High School principal, and Ben Barkey, Warsaw Area Career Center director, joined Dr. David Hoffert, WCS superintendent, in presenting the diplomas. The attendance of WCHS and WACC administrators, guidance counselors, teachers and the Board of School Trustees, including President Heather Reichenbach, Vice President Randy Polston, Secretary Elle Turley, Tom Westerhof, Matt Deuel, Brad Johnson and Denny Duncan, added to the significance of the event, the release states.
Guided by the motto, "Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while – you could miss it," by fictional movie character Ferris Bueller, the Class of 2023 embraced the importance of cherishing every precious moment. Under the leadership of Assistant Principal Leah Sprunger and senior counselor Rhonda Graney, along with the support of co-director Luisa Davis, the graduates made their mark on WCS.
The Class of 2023 chose the orange rose as their class flower and silver and lavender as their class colors.
Involved in the planning and participating of the commencement ceremony were the board of school trustees, WCS cabinet, WCHS administrators, Brad Anderson, Don Swartzentruber, Ginger Barnes, Karen Dubbeld, Ellen Stayer, Officer Brandon Zartman, Sam Cook, Jim LeMasters and the custodial staff.
The commencement ceremony began with multimedia presentation curated by Hallie Bledsoe, the senior class president, featuring baby and senior photos. The JROTC performed the presentation of colors to the national anthem, followed by a performance by the Festival Choir, led by Joshua Hren. Akers delivered a welcome address. Keely Roe, the student body president, delivered her speech.
During the ceremony, a moment of remembrance was observed for Evaney Hisey. Angelica Garcia Ponce delivered a commencement address, sharing words of encouragement as the graduates embarked on their next adventure.
Hoffert addressed the graduates, reflecting on the mission of the district and reminiscing about their first day of kindergarten. Hoffert acknowledged the legacy the Class of 2023 has left in the 178-year history of Warsaw Schools, commending their high standards and achievements. He expressed pride in their accomplishments and assured them that their story will continue to unfold as they navigate new paths and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, the release states.
WCHS recognized its top students, who donned honor cords symbolizing their academic achievements. Orange cords represented Cum Laude honors for a GPA of 3.75-3.99, white cords indicated Magna Cum Laude honors for a GPA of 4.00-4.24, and gold cords exemplified Summa Cum Laude honors for a GPA of 4.25 and above. WACC Career Academy graduates wore purple cords, while National Honor Society students adorned stoles. Those recognized for achieving a Certificate of Multilingual Proficiency donned medallions, highlighting their language skills and cultural understanding.
The presentation of the Class of 2023 diplomas commenced with a symbolic turning of the tassels led by Hallie Bledsoe, senior class president, signifying their official transition from students to graduates. The evening concluded with a fireworks display.
WCS thanks community partners Warsaw Police Department, WIOE, Blossers, MAB Productions, Mobile Technologies and Open Air Garden.
