Wawasee Holds Outdoor Graduation Ceremony
June 7, 2021 at 12:02 p.m.
By Amanda Bridgman-
The 53rd commencement focused on the memories and encouragement to go out, break the mold and creating a story worth telling.
Valedictorian Tate Cowan talked about how during junior year, classes turned to elearning, high school traditions were cancelled and little did they know they wouldn’t walk back through the doors of the high school until they were seniors.
“Throughout our high school career, we were doubted and continually placed in a box, constantly pushed to fit a mold and be the status quo,” Cowan said. “Our uniqueness, quirks and any other trait or idiosyncrasies we may possess have driven us to the success we have reached, not only today, but the many milestones we have yet to accomplish. Go out and break the mold, be who you want to be and never let anyone place you in a box of society’s expectations.”
WHS Principal Geoff Walmer recalled becoming principal two years ago when the COVID-19 pandemic began shutting things down.
“Through all the craziness and through so much being taken away from us, I am ending this year feeling as close to you as any other graduating class I’ve been around,” Walmer said. “You have given me so many laughs. You have given me reasons and hope to wake up in the morning and be excited to come to work. You, my friends, are the reason I chose education.”
WHS Assistant Principal John Snyder gave the farewell address and told students about a book he read that made him want to live a life that has a story worth telling.
Snyder called students out by name who were planning to go into the medical field, manufacturing field, welding careers, education, and told them to believe in themselves, help others and that’s a story worth telling.
“If doesn’t matter if you are an engineer, truck driver, farmer, police officer, cashier, stay-at-home parent, whatever,” Snyder said. “You have a choice to be a difference-maker every day. A great life story will always include how, while you pursued your dreams, you were able to make the lives of others better. ... If you make the intentional decision to make the world around you better, you will create a story of your life worth telling. Class of 2021, we look forward to hearing yours!”
The 53rd commencement focused on the memories and encouragement to go out, break the mold and creating a story worth telling.
Valedictorian Tate Cowan talked about how during junior year, classes turned to elearning, high school traditions were cancelled and little did they know they wouldn’t walk back through the doors of the high school until they were seniors.
“Throughout our high school career, we were doubted and continually placed in a box, constantly pushed to fit a mold and be the status quo,” Cowan said. “Our uniqueness, quirks and any other trait or idiosyncrasies we may possess have driven us to the success we have reached, not only today, but the many milestones we have yet to accomplish. Go out and break the mold, be who you want to be and never let anyone place you in a box of society’s expectations.”
WHS Principal Geoff Walmer recalled becoming principal two years ago when the COVID-19 pandemic began shutting things down.
“Through all the craziness and through so much being taken away from us, I am ending this year feeling as close to you as any other graduating class I’ve been around,” Walmer said. “You have given me so many laughs. You have given me reasons and hope to wake up in the morning and be excited to come to work. You, my friends, are the reason I chose education.”
WHS Assistant Principal John Snyder gave the farewell address and told students about a book he read that made him want to live a life that has a story worth telling.
Snyder called students out by name who were planning to go into the medical field, manufacturing field, welding careers, education, and told them to believe in themselves, help others and that’s a story worth telling.
“If doesn’t matter if you are an engineer, truck driver, farmer, police officer, cashier, stay-at-home parent, whatever,” Snyder said. “You have a choice to be a difference-maker every day. A great life story will always include how, while you pursued your dreams, you were able to make the lives of others better. ... If you make the intentional decision to make the world around you better, you will create a story of your life worth telling. Class of 2021, we look forward to hearing yours!”
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