The Hilltop High School Graduation of 2014, opened with the music of “Fanfare and Processional”, as graduates filed into their seats at the front of the auditorium. The music was played by the school band, directed by Samual Maran. Emily Maneval, class president, gave an opening welcome to friends and family attending.
Steven Riley introduced the teaching staff and school board members attending.
The Hilltop Cadet Band played music, featuring several graduating seniors, playing for the last time as a student. The music was “Don’t Trust Me”, and “Radioactive”.
This year, there were 20 Honor Students, and they were recognized for their academic achievements. Three of the Honor Students, Travis Haynes, Emily Maneval, and Jesse Westfall, gave thoughtful speeches, with warm memories of Hilltop, and hopes for the future. The Class Address was given by staff teacher, Ruth Parrott. She spoke fondly of the student’s and their growth, their future, their humor, their heart, and their love. After so many years, they will be missed, and remembered.
The presentation of Diplomas was directed by School Principal Steven Riley and presented by the Millcreek-West Unity Board of Education members. With smiles and shouts from families, diplomas were presented one by one. All too quickly, the graduation celebration came to an end, and the graduates were recognized, and tassels were turned to the other side of the caps.
As a loving tribute to Blake Wyse, his family was presented with his diploma, in heartfelt memory of his life, and death.
With a room full of smiles, celebration, and best wishes, the graduates filed out with the music of “Fanfare and Recessional”. In the front lawn, the graduates assembled for a balloon release in memory of Blake Wyse. With Blake’s family surrounded by the graduating class, the balloons were released into the bright blue sky, and they slowly drifted off in bright swirling colors.
The seniors came together for the final tossing of the caps into the air, with cheers of joy, and applause of parents, the caps flew high. The celebration will go on, another class has graduated, and another class has moved on to higher goals. Best wishes, to the Hilltop’s Class of 2014.