Warsaw Defies The Doubters And Graduates Class Of 2020
Warsaw Defies The Doubters And Graduates Class Of 2020
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David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
Warsaw Defies The Doubters And Graduates Class Of 2020 Four months and four days after Indiana closed schools physically and went to distance learning, due to the coronavirus pandemic, 444 members of the Warsaw Community High School Class of 2020 gathered one last time Friday for their graduation ceremony.
It was a milestone that many didn’t think could or would happen, but it did on the WCHS Tiger football field with social distancing and face masks in play. Except for fireworks that went off a little early, the ceremony went smooth and wrapped up in just 90 minutes.
After the processional and presentation of colors and national anthem by the WCHS JROTC, Principal Troy Akers gave the welcoming remarks.
“Many people said it couldn’t be done, but in the city of Warsaw, Indiana, in a Warsaw Community High School, these kids have done it and we are here to show our celebration, and I couldn’t be happier personally,” Akers said.
After taking some selfies of the graduating class behind him and thanking and recognizing a number of people and organizations, he talked directly to the class about how things have changed in the past year. He said Friday, March 13 started out as a normal day to him, but by lunch time he learned things were changing fast across the state, the pandemic had set in and it looked like schools would have to go on a brief break.
“Little did we know on that day, did I know on that day, that it was going to be 16 long weeks. I think we all felt like maybe two weeks, maybe three weeks because we’d be on spring break. And things happened,” Akers said.
He said they’ve all had to learn to be fluid and flexible.
“What I want you to know tonight, that you, Class of 2020, need to be fluid, need to be flexible and need to have family as a huge part of how you’re going to move into your future, whatever it is that your future will be,” Akers said.
He told the graduating class that they made it “through one of the most difficult times that’s been presented to any of us that are still breathing air. I commend you for that, I’m proud of you for that.”
Student Body President Lauryn Rhodes gave the commencement address. She started by providing highlights of the four years the class spent at WCHS.
“But what was so special about our senior year? I asked many of my friends and none of us could think of the one thing that made senior year stand out from the rest of the years we spent here at high school,” she said, recalling her efforts to write the commencement address and all the events that should have happened but never did.
Graduation ceremony was originally set for June 6. “If nothing else, our current situation has taught me that nothing is guaranteed and you never know what the future is going to bring, along with so much more,” she said.
Also, Rhodes said, “Sitting before me today is one of the most unique generations that we have ever seen before. There is so much power that resides within this generation in front of me tonight. We are living in a world where we are more connected, education and aware like never before. This generation carries so much potential” and possibilities.
She concluded by talking about unity and how it was up to each person to shape their own future.
Senior Class President Olivia Renier and Vice President Gage Lind took the stage together next for the “President’s Address.”
Renier said she noticed in high school how everyone’s attitude affects them academically, mentally and physically. “Your attitude now will affect your future,” she said.
Lind said choosing your friends wisely was important, while Renier added that a person’s attitude can affect others.
“We were all born around the date of 9/11 when the world was shocked and our lives have always been faced with challenges that the world has thrown at us. Then 2020 came and we were faced with a world pandemic. Who knew that the last day we would ever be in high school would have been Friday, March 13,” Lind said.
He said that while the quarantine separated everyone physically, the Class of 2020 was all connected through it.
“Always remember to stay positive and keep open-minded. Your glass is always half full, not half empty,” Renier said.
Annie Wottring gave the at-large student address.
“Class of 2020, what a four years it has been! What a last year it has been!” she began. “When they made remarks about us having 20/20 vision for the future, I don’t think anyone envisioned it ending like that. Never mind that because today is a celebration.”
She said she was standing before everyone because, “If I can do one last thing here at WCHS, I want to take it and I want to encourage you with it.”
The senior quote for the class is by C.S. Lewis: “You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
Wottring said, “What a beautiful truth that is. While you may not be able to change the road you took to get here, the things you did or the things you didn’t do, now that you are sitting there, a soon-to-be high school graduate, you get to decide how you handle the future.”
She encouraged her classmates to use their past to further their present. “Please don’t get stuck in a rut of regret, but push yourself to become better than you once were. To become the best you that there is. I say to each and every one of you, that your past does not define you. It is a part of your story, but it does not have to be the summary of it.”
She said they shouldn’t be so afraid to fail that they don’t act at all.
“And do not be so conscious of what those around you think that you become someone you are not. And please, do not fail to recognize your worth. You have worth. And you have potential, and you have purpose. And I will say that again and again as long as it is necessary because it hurts to think that someone can walk away tonight and think that they do not matter. So, again, you are important and your past does not define you,” Wottring said, in part.
After a moment of remembrance and a candlelighting to remember classmate Paige Jefferson, Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert offered his remarks.
He noted that this past school year was the 175th year of public education in the Warsaw community.
“I stated that this was going to be a unique and special year. Little did I know how unique it was going to become for the Class of 2020,” Hoffert said.
He said they have set a new bar in unimaginable ways.
“Your class is full of leaders, ready to impact the world of tomorrow. Your legacy here will not be forgotten, and yet much of your history is yet to be written,” Hoffert said.
The diplomas were then presented, and the night concluded with Renier telling the graduates they could turn their tassels.
