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Warwick High School Holds Commencement
The Warwick High School (WHS) Class of 2022 celebrated the graduation of more than 330 of its members on June 6 at Calvary Church. The event featured speakers from the class, administration, and school board.
Principal Kristy Szobocsan opened the event by listing 22 phrases of teenage jargon, giving students advice to “Keep It 100,” which meant to be true to themselves, and “J4F,” stating “Don’t forget to do things just for fun.”
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The first student speaker was Kendall Eby. In her speech, titled “Life Is Like a Box of Chocolates,” she referenced the quarantine beginning in March of 2020, the wearing of masks to school in 2021, and the ravages of Hurricane Ida. “There have been times when our class chose a chocolate, took a bite, and wanted to quietly put it back,” she said. “We have learned resilience This strength is something that should carry us through.”
Student Joshua Fackler spoke on “Composition of a Warrior,” asking the question “What does it mean to be a Warwick Warrior?” Having read the school’s yearbooks back to 1957, Fackler answered the question, saying, “The Warwick Warrior spirit is the ability to choose one’s path. You create a path that propels you into the future.”
Jonah Lenahan, who called his speech “Just Warwick,” reflected on the bittersweet years the class spent in high school, saying, “Education should force us to reconcile ourselves to a bigger and more chaotic world. We have learned to be more empathetic and hopeful. We should all be confident in our abilities to confront the worst head-on.”
Alexa Wenger drew on her running experience in writing, “The Race of Life,” comparing 12 years of schooling to the quarters of a 1-mile race. “Tonight marks the ringing of the bell,” she said. “We have supported each other through a uniquely challenging high school experience, and today we cross to opportunities, growth, and excitement.”
Szobocsan announced that the class salutatorian was Gavin Clausen, followed by the announcement that the valedictorian was Wenger. Melissa Achuff, assistant principal, read the names of the top 10% of the Class of 2022, the honor graduates, and the Student Council members. Szobocsan recognized six students going into the military and all Warwick School District (WSD) staff members present.
After the senior members of the concert choir performed “And Wherever You Go,” WSD school board president Todd Rucci addressed the gathering. “Don’t measure success with dollar signs or status, but with your influence on the world and those you have helped along the way,” he said.
April Hershey, WSD superintendent, referenced the struggle of the last few years, saying, “Every single moment ... was worth it to see you sitting here today. You are the hope for our future.” Hershey proclaimed the students graduates, and she and Rucci handed out diplomas.
Theodore Lance, senior class president, gave the farewell address, “Warwick Class of 2022: A Story Told by Film.” He described a video of class members journeying throughout 12 years of school through specific scenes. He said that the video would conclude with the words “To Be Continued” splashed across the screen.
The event concluded with the playing of the alma mater by the WHS symphonic band.
CONGRATULATIONS!
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