On Wednesday evening, Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) celebrated the first graduates of 2024 in a graduation ceremony.
The event honored the achievements of track and field state qualifiers: Joey Rastrelli, Talan Asay, Blake Keene, Gabe Klein, Matt Marsh, Andrew Potter and Tyler Swartz, who will be competing at the IHSAA state finals and unable to attend the scheduled WCHS commencement ceremony on Friday, May 31.
In addition to the track and field state qualifiers, additional early graduates Kya Howard, Riley Miller, Grady Sinclair-Lord, Fox Sitcler, Reece Weitze and Navaya Wiseley were recognized for their inspiring achievements and their ability to overcome adversity, according to a news release from WCS.
During the special ceremony, the graduates were recognized for their accomplishments and their representation of WCHS in the state track and field competition. As a special tribute, each state qualifier proudly wore an exclusive honor cord: their track shoes.
Dr. David Hoffert, WCS superintendent and a former WCHS graduate and track and field state finalist, emphasized the dedication and perseverance of each student, saying, “May you compete with all the heart and determination of the senior role models you are. May your shoes always stay tied (as a former coach, please double knot them). More than anything, may you celebrate by creating positive memories of your special graduation as a Warsaw Tiger.”
WCHS Principal Troy Akers said, "I want to thank Dr. Hoffert and our school board for allowing us the flexibility for this special graduation ceremony. We were delighted to provide a deserving group of seniors with their diplomas. Parents, friends and other guests celebrated this accomplishment with us; the evening was a huge success!"
Board members Tom Westerhof, Matt Deuel and Randy Polston were present to personally hand the graduates their diplomas.