On Friday, May 31, Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) celebrated the commencement of the class of 2024.
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. The attendance of WCS, WCHS and WACC administrators, guidance counselors, teachers and the board of school trustees added to the significance of the night.
Guided by the motto, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" by Eleanor Roosevelt, the class of 2024 embraced the importance of overcoming challenges and emerging stronger, the release states. Under the leadership of Assistant Principal Paul Zakaria and senior counselor Peyton Scharpenberg, along with the support of counseling director Luisa Davis, the class made their mark on WCS.
Commencement began with a multimedia presentation curated by Shashank Upadhyay, the senior class president, featuring baby and senior photos. The WCHS band, under the direction of Mark Ziegler with assistance from David Knouse, performed "Pomp and Circumstance" for the processional. Following this, the festival choir, led by Joshua Hren, delivered a performance of the national anthem during the presentation of colors by the JROTC. Grace Ganser, student body president, delivered a welcome address.
Principal Troy Akers delivered a speech highlighting the resilience of the class of 2024. He praised their ability to overcome numerous challenges, including the pandemic and academic hurdles. His speech was complemented by inspirational quotes from Winston Churchill and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
During the ceremony, a moment of remembrance was observed for Jill Jackson to honor her impact on the class of 2024. Akers, along with Kyle, Landon and Logan Jackson, honored her memory. Immediately following, the festival choir performed a rendition of "Imagine" by John Lennon, arranged by Jay Althouse.
Student speaker Shashank Upadhyay spoke about overcoming fear and embracing hope. He encouraged his peers to not let fear control their lives and to pursue their dreams with courage. Shashank emphasized the importance of hope and community support, urging everyone to seize the day and live life fully.
Student speaker Doondeeshwar Patnala delivered a humorous yet profound speech, offering advice on life and the future. He highlighted the importance of getting enough sleep, cherishing youth and maintaining strong relationships. He encouraged his classmates to live passionately and unapologetically, reminding them that they have the power to change the world.
Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert addressed the graduates, reflecting on WCS’s mission and reminiscing about their first day of kindergarten. Hoffert acknowledged the legacy that the class of 2024 has left in the 179-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. Finally, Hoffert approved the recommendation of Akers and Warsaw Area Career Center Director Ben Barkey for the class of 2024 to the WCS School Board.
WCS school board members Heather Reichenbach (president), Randy Polston (vice president), Elle Turley (secretary), Tom Westerhof, Matt Deuel, Brad Johnson and Denny Duncan presented diplomas to the class of 2024.
WCHS’s top students wore 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 National Technical Honors Society graduates wore silver cords, while National Honor Society students adorned stoles. Those recognized for achieving a Certificate of Multilingual Proficiency wore medallions, highlighting their language skills and cultural understanding.
The presentation of the class of 2024 diplomas commenced with the “turning of the tassels” led by Upadhyay, officially marking their transition from students to graduates, and the evening concluded with a fireworks display.