R-III district honors 2016 graduates

By Derrick Forsythe, Record Staff Writer
Posted 11/7/19

Feelings of eagerness about the future and excitement of graduation encompassed Mary Broker, as she donned her cap and gown on Saturday night. The Warrenton High School senior, who is headed to …

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R-III district honors 2016 graduates

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Feelings of eagerness about the future and excitement of graduation encompassed Mary Broker, as she donned her cap and gown on Saturday night.The Warrenton High School senior, who is headed to Harvard University in the fall, joined 213 classmates in walking across the stage to receive their diplomas during the Class of 2016 commencement ceremony.“It’s exciting to see all of the work that we’ve put in come to fruition,” Broker said. “I can’t wait to see where everyone goes. I’m antsy already for our 10-year reunion because I see so much potential in everyone.”Check out the photo gallery here ----->>> http://bit.ly/1Ti7oFhGraduation was able to be held outside on the football field as the forecast was free from rain on an unseasonably cool day.Caesar Rodriguez, who began attending Warrenton schools as a freshman, was thankful the weather did not interrupt his significant day.“I’ve dreamed about this since I was in kindergarten,” he said. “I’ve definitely had a lot of teachers who’ve made a big impact in my life.”The event opened with advice and encouragement from the guest speaker, Associate Circuit Judge Mike Wright, a graduate of WHS. He talked about the importance of seizing opportunity, setting goals and not being afraid to fail in your attempts at success.Afterward, the a capella choir performed “That Lonesome Road,” with the accompaniment of several seniors.Assistant Principal Ken Holstine then recognized members of the class earning the highest academic honors. Ten seniors graduated summa cum laude, earning a 4.0 GPA or above over the course of high school.Six seniors earned magna cum laude (3.9-3.99) honors, while nine were named cum laude (3.75-3.899).Two of those honored also presented speeches, with Nick Banze eliciting immediate laughter from friends and family by getting them physically engaged in a humorous attempt to “move the audience.” He then implored them to not always wait for the right time, but to make it the right time to take risks and achieve their goals.“Start preparing now and pushing yourself now,” Banze said. “… Right now is our greatest opportunity to leave an impact on the world.”Unveiling the Batman shirt beneath his gown, he declared, “everything is impossible until someone does it,” sending a roar of applause through the crowd.Class President Braydan Chmiel followed with a plea for his classmates to make the dash that will eventually separate the years of their lives on a tombstone be a time period worth remembering and celebrating.“How significant of a life will that insignificant line represent” Chmiel said. “We can choose to live a life of significance by serving others.”He stressed the importance of pursuing your own goals, instead of those established by others and remembering that your time is your true wealth.Chmiel concluded by challenging his classmates with a quote from Chief Tecumseh.“Love your life, perfect your life and beautify all things in your life.”Following the graduate speeches, the WHS symphonic band performed the instrumental selection, “Music for a Darkened Theatre.”In a symbolic passing of the guard, Chmiel joined in a candle lighting ceremony with Class of 2017 President Macie Sommer.To conclude the commencement, members of the senior class received their diplomas — some in more emphatic fashion than others. Jacob Crump made it rain confetti on the stage as he crossed, hours after qualifying for the sectional track meet. Others were too nervous to remember to stop and have their photo taken, but all were filled with at least one universal emotion — relief.The class, which earned over $1 million in scholarships, is now free to begin the next phase of their life’s journey.

GRADUATION Warrenton High School seniors celebrate after officially becoming graduates Saturday evening. Derrick Forsythe Photo


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