Wright City Class of 2022 graduates and faculty speaker Bill Schaffer highlighted the perseverance of the class in dealing with COVID-19 for a good portion of their high school years during their June 3 commencement ceremony.

One-hundred students graduated in the Wright City class of 2022. The outgoing senior class was the first kindergarten class to attend East Elementary School.

Abigail Guinn was among the 100 Wright City 2022 graduates. Guinn stressed the impact of COVID-19 on the class. She noted the class did not return after spring break their sophomore year due to COVID-19. Their junior year included quarantines lasting from 10 to 28 days, masking and eating lunch in classrooms.

“Senior year seems like a breeze compared to the previous years,” Guinn said. “Quarantines were still a thing but fewer and fewer were being sent home. But despite the troubling times, the Class of 2022 pushed through.”

Student Peyton Simon believes one of the biggest challenges was adjusting to senior year after two school years affected by COVID-19. She expressed appreciation to the faculty and staff at Wright City for the countless after-school hours to help with the students’ success.

Fellow student Zoe Riggs said it was an honor to attend Wright City High School. She believes the diverse mix of students with different backgrounds, nationalities and personalities makes Wright City High School unique and sets it apart from other schools. A student can feel welcome at Wright City High School, whether they have been in the district their whole life or just started attending classes in the district, Riggs said.

“Wright City High School is a place where anyone can feel like they belong and like family,” Riggs said. “While some may not take advantage or feel the opposite is true, there are many ways for them to be connected, to get help and find community.”

Superintendent Chris Berger stressed the graduating seniors were impacted by the effects of COVID-19 for a majority of their time in high school. Berger cited the perseverance of the Wright City Class of 2022.

“You have adapted well not only to a difficult year but a difficult high school career,” Berger said. “Most importantly, you persevered. And I can tell you from the bottom of my heart, and I’ve stated this for many, many years, there is no asset that will serve you better in life than perseverance. Each of you should be commended, and thank you Class of 2022 for persevering so you could be here tonight.”

Class President Emma Wegrzyn stressed the accomplishments of the outgoing senior class. She noted the outgoing senior class has students already earning degrees, starting businesses and freelancing and profiting from their work. They had individuals attend state competitions.

“I can’t wait for the large number of achievements that the Class of 2022 will accomplish in its many endeavors,” Wegrzyn said.

High School Principal Matt Brooks also highlighted the accomplishments of the Class of 2022 despite multiple years being affected by COVID-19. Students earned over $1 million in scholarships to pursue their post-secondary plans.

Brooks stressed to the class to maintain their integrity as they move on after graduating from Wright City High School.

“The thing about integrity is that it cannot be taken from you,” Brooks said. “But you can choose to give it away. In our modern society, it has become easy to rationalize decisions that cut corners and skirt honesty and integrity with the idea that the ends justify the means. Class of 2022, I encourage you to keep a firm grasp on the integrity that was taught and instilled in you by so many here in attendance tonight.”

Schaffer, retiring teacher, was the faculty speaker at the commencement ceremony. The Class of 2022 graduated through what Schaffer hopes is the hardest four years of high school anyone ever has to deal with.

“You’ve done it in an incredible manner,” Schaffer said. “And I hope you’re proud of that.”