SOUTH WHITLEY – The Class of 2021 spent one-third of their junior year apart because of the COVID-19 pandemic and a senior year at Whitko High School with their faces half covered in a mask because of that same epidemic.
They sat side-by-side on the Ryan Huff Memorial Football Field in South Whitley Friday, June 4 and graduated together under a sunny sky. Family members and well-wishers surrounded the graduates in the home and visitors bleachers and perched behind them in lawn chairs on the field.
From the gymnasium, the classmates marched strode onto the field led by teachers and class sponsors Dawn Hinthorn and John VanPatten in the school’s traditional colors of scarlet red and royal blue.
Assistant principal Jon Baker welcomed guests, advising them the program, traditionally available on paper, was available on the school’s web site.
Baker introduced the next speakers, valedictorian Luke Rhoades and salutatorian Abigail Arter who teamed up for the commencement address to classmates and visitors. Rhoades began school at South Whitley Elementary and Arter who began school at Pierceton Elementary.
Rhoades began the salutation with a heartfelt words of gratitude.
“Thank you, not only for joining us today as we celebrate this momentous occasion but also for all the little moments over the past 13 years. You not only celebrated our wins, you stood by us in our losses.
“Thank you teachers, parents, administrators and parents; thank you to anyone who took the time to mentor and guide us, who took the time to assist us in succeeding.”
Arter reminded everyone they just completed 4,560 hours of high school.
“We have finished our time and are walking away with shared memories and experiences, like, homecoming, basketball games and Jarod Days. We’ve come through high school together.”
“As we come to the end, many of us wonder where we will go next with our lives,” Rhoades said. “Some of you may have a clear path, others may hope it becomes clearer as we go. Theoretically speaking, we’re back to where we started 13 years ago.
“Just like when we stood outside the doors the first day of kindergarten, it’s a wide open door to the future with nothing but possibility for us, filled with both wonderment and fear. Each of us are setting out on our on path for the first time since 2008.”
Rhoades reminded his classmates they represented the future and they might not be able to change the entire world, but could change their own world by focusing on, not what happens, but on how they respond to what happens to them.
“The future is truly in our hands, so let’s make the most of it,” Rhoades said. “And may God bless you all as you enter the next chapter of your life.”
Next Whitko High School principal Jake Everett thanked the parents, family members, mentors and friends for attending.
He said the no other graduating class ever had to experience what the class of 2021 had to experience with a junior year being cut short and their senior year of wearing facemasks and practicing social distancing during a pandemic.
“Take a second and reflect back on all you’ve had to overcome to get to this moment,” he said. “Through everything you’ve persevered and it’s been enough to handle.”
