MONTPELIER: May 24, 2014-The Montpelier High School Class of 2014 held their graduation ceremony on May 24 in the high school gymnasium in front off a packed house, celebrating the end of a long journey and beginning new challenges.
The two o’clock ceremony opened with the Processional played by the Montpelier Band, led by Band Director Ms. Jennifer Kustec. The 2014 graduates marched into place, took their seats for the final time as Locomotive Students and listened to the opening remarks by Montpelier Board of Education President Larry Martin. Superintendent Jamison Grime made remarks to those in attendance and the graduation class, followed by the presentation of Class Honors by Principal Su Thorp.
The first Honor Award presented went to Jessy Duchene, who addressed the graduating class and audience as the Class Salutatorian. Ms. Duchene plans on attending Northwest State, where she plans on beginning Pre-Nursing studies.
This year’s Class Valedictorian was announced as Marinna Mercer, who gave a very eloquent speech to her classmates about their future challenges and also addressed the remaining students at Montpelier High School, passing along advice from the Class of 2014. Ms. Mercer will be attending Findlay University and will begin studies towards a degree in Veterinary Medicine.
The 2014 graduating Class Motto is “Life Goes On,” and the Class Color is gray. The Class Flower is the Blue Tipped White Rose and the Class Song for the Loco Grads this year is “Wish You Were Here” from Pink Floyd.
Students recognized for achievement at this year’s graduation were:
Ohio Honors Diploma
In order to be presented an Ohio Honors Diploma a student must meet 7 of the following 8 criteria: 4 units of English, 4 units of Mathematics, 4 units of Science, 4 units of Social Studies, 3 units of Foreign Language, 1 unit of Fine Arts, maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 and obtain a ACT Composite Score of 27 or an SAT of 1210. Students meeting the criteria this year are: Leslie Clark, Jessy Duchene, Sarah Sandoval, Regan Steffes and Marinna Mercer
National Honor Society Members
The 2014 members of the National Honor Society are: Leslie Clark, Taylor Wells, Jessy Duchene, Emily Kolbe, Marinna Mercer, Martine Ortega, Sarah Sandoval and Regan Steffes.
National Technical Honor Society Members
Students honored for their academic and technical achievement at Four County Technical School this year are: Kelly Straus, Justin Dolman, and Rachael Kelly.
Graduates from the Class of 2014 wore cords over their gowns signifying specific achievement. Students graduating with a Silver Honor Cord represented the top 10 percent of the class, while graduates wearing a Red, White, and Blue Cord have made a commitment to the Armed Forces. Some Graduates also were adorned with a red Cord, signifying those who have donated 3 times to the American Red Cross Local Blood Drives.