Salem Community High School Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering cited ‘One Wildcat Voice’ in remembering the accomplishments of the 149 graduating seniors at Sunday’s graduation in spite of COVID.
Detering says he was having a difficult time deciding what to say until he went to the chorus room and heard them practicing ‘One Voice’ for the graduation program. He then realized with ‘One Wildcat Voice’ the students still accomplished so much, including care for the elderly impacted by COVID, building a wheelchair ramp for a disabled veteran, not allowing the annual food drive to be canceled, and instead raised more than $10,000 in cash for the Salem Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. He noted sports and Homecoming went on and SCHS had the most Illinois State Scholars as any school around.
“This class is defined by how they handled themselves in the face of adversity. How the class of 2021 refused to let their situation get the best of them, but rather they took the script and they found a way.”
Detering then gave the graduating class of 2021 a charge for the future.
“So to the Class of 2021 I challenge you as graduates and representatives of Salem Community High School to go out in the world and with one Wildcat voice say to the world with that resounding Wildcat phrase ‘We Are Salem’. Find a way and make a difference. We’ll be watching and cheering with Salem Wildcat Pride. Make us proud!”
The Class Valedictorian was Kaitlyn Banning who thanked teachers and parents for believing in them and giving them confidence. She noted they had been through a lot together and encouraged her classmates to be brave, realize they will make mistakes, and that nothing is easy as they strive for their goals.
Class Salutatorian Peter Huang in his remarks from the Class noted they had achieved a lot, make connections with others that strengthened them and made them a resilient group. He noted despite what life threw at them, they found the potential to move forward.
The rest of the top ten members of the class were Sierra Nicole Charlton, Jenna Detering, Haddon Lybarger, Tyson Mann, Blerina Mehmedi, Jenna Middleton, Isabella Timmermann-Miller, and Keylee Wildman.
Simon Hays was recognized for having perfect attendance during his first three years of high school.
Those in attendance wore masks and attendance was limited to ten tickets per graduate to keep numbers within COVID-19 restrictions.
Salem High School Class of 2021 Valedictorian Kaitlyn Banning and Salutatorian Peter Huang. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem Community High School Band plays ‘Let It Be’ as their graduation song. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem Community High School Choir performs ‘One Voice’ for graduation. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
149 diplomas ready to be given out at Sunday’s SCHS Graduation. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
