Encompassing long-established traditions, Edon Northwest Local Schools graduated forty-seven young men and women during its annual Commencement Exercises held Sunday, May 25, 2014. Opening the 2:00 p.m. ceremony at the Hangar was Ringing of the School Bell, an impressive custom carried out this year by Junior Class President Autumn Joice. Poised and confident, she tolled the beautifully restored bell three times, signifying the completion of her class’ years of high school and the ushering in of its fourth and final year.
Distinct sounds of Robert’s “Pomp & Chivalry” directed everyone’s attention to the entrance as the Edon High School Concert Band musically escorted the Class of 2014 ~ through the Junior Class Honor Guard ~ towards center stage. Upon completion of the Invocation, led by Mr. Nathan Derico, Minister of Columbia Church of Christ, graduating musicians joined the assembled Concert Band to perform Brian Balmages’ arrangement of “Nevermore”. Directed by Miss Christa Perry, the selection featured seniors Corisa Brown and Hailey Engel in their final musical program at Edon High School.
Salutatorian Michael Peeples’ lighthearted, opening Commencement remarks got the afternoon off with a smile while Valedictorian Baylee Gearhart shared her thoughts and fond, happy remembrances with classmates and friends as well. In closing, she provided some “sound” advice learned through her second-grade tutoring: “You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go! ~ Dr. Seuss.” Bringing their year to completion this memorable day were heartfelt words of support voiced by guest speaker, Dr. Karen Hamilton. The Dean of Trine University’s Franks School of Education encouraged each graduate to embrace their world, their opportunities and to remember, opportunities won’t come looking for you; you must go looking for them.
Upon noting nineteen members of the Class of 2014 had received nearly four hundred fifty thousand dollars in Scholarship, Award and Grant monies, Principal Anthony Stevens was pleased to announce each student’s name in recognition of this major accomplishment. He also paused to acknowledge students attending Four County Career Center before congratulating graduates ranked in the Top Ten Percent of the Class ~ Baylee Gearhart, Michael Peeples, Britney Ziko, Samantha Mercer and Haley Jacoby. Each was presented a trophy to commemorate this great honor by Mr. Mark Blue, Senior Class Advisor.
At last, the moment every graduate had anxiously been awaiting, was now upon them. Without delay, the Class of 2014, introduced by Mr. Stevens, walked proudly across the stage to accept his or her diploma from Mr. Brad McCrea, President of Edon Northwest Local Board of Education. Mr. Blue ceremoniously marked the changeover from high school student to alumni status by “turning the tassel” and presented each graduate with an orange Tiger Lily, the class flower.
As Katy Perry’s “Roar” resonated throughout the gymnasium, a wonderful surprise honoring parents of the Class of 2014 was about to happen. One by one, graduates sought them out and subsequently presented his or her mother the Tiger Lily received just moments before. The warm and tender acknowledgment of a parent’s love and support left its impact not only on the graduates and their families but also on everyone witnessing the heartfelt tribute.
“I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter,
dancing through the fire
‘Cause I am a champion
and you’re gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
‘Cause I am a champion
and you’re gonna hear me roar.”
To conclude the Conferring of Diplomas Ceremony, seniors Anna Baugh, Shane Bergdall, Corisa Brown, Brittany Combs, Hailey Engel, Trevor Green, Jordan Matthews, Mikaela Myers, Michael Peeples, Britney Ziko and Wyatt Zulch reunited with the Edon High School Choir, under the direction of Mrs. Cathy Frastaci, to sing their specially-selected choral piece “Omnia Sol ~ Let Your Heart Be Staid” by Z. Randall Stroope.
With Commencement nearing its conclusion, Mr. David LaDuke, Minister of Edon Church of Christ, offered the Benediction followed by the Choral Benediction, Michael W. Smith’s “Friends”. In his last official duty as Senior Class President, Mike Peeples ~ without hesitation ~ proudly and loudly Rang the School Bell four times, signaling the completion of high school for the Class of 2014.
With assuredness and self-belief, graduates proved they were fully prepared to take on the challenges that lie ahead and to embrace the wonderful opportunities and possibilities awaiting them outside the familiar ~ yet unforgettable ~ walls of Edon High School.
