140 seniors at Salem Community High School graduated during commencement exercises on Sunday.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering read a long list of accomplishments by the graduating class before issuing a challenge.
“So to the Class of 2023, I challenge you as the graduates and representatives of Salem Community High School to go out into the world and change it for good. We’ll be watching and cheering with Salem Wildcat Pride….make us proud.”
Principal John Boles recognized 18 students who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 or greater grade point average. They are Alex and Logan Bandy, Caden Beal, Kelly Blomberg, Elee Bumgarner, Ashlyn Carson, Areesa Eisenhauer, Maisie Griffin, Daniyal Islam, Kyle Kurwicki, Cameron Lowry, Hunter Russell, Quan Binh Tran, Lucy Trinkle, Seth Ulrey, Alayna Williams, Isaak Williams, and Marissa Wooters.
Ellee Bumgarner was honored for perfect attendance from kindergarten to her senior year. Kyle Kurwicki had perfect attendance all four years of high school. Kaitlyn Jo Brown, Laikyn Evans, Lucy Trinkle, and Seth Ulrey were honored for having perfect attendance in their senior year.
Marissa Wooters provided the reflections from the Class of 2023, noting how their freshman and sophomore years were impacted by e-learning that kept them from having a normal high school experience.
“We have all worked so far for what we lost during COVID. There are so many individuals who have received awesome scholarships and awesome opportunities and are going to pursue a job. After two years were taken from us, we definitely were left with some work to catch up on but we did it. As a class, I think we should be proud of ourselves for sticking it out for four crazy years. You should also be proud of yourself individually. Everyone in this class worked hard for something they wanted this year.”
Wooters says she can’t wait to see where their future takes them and reminded her classmates to be grateful for what they had.
Marissa Wooters presents the Reflections from the Class of 2023. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Logan Bandy was selected to provide the Aspirations for the Class of 2023. He encouraged his classmates not just to dream, but to be doers, and be kind to each other.
“Although the door to high school has abruptly shut for us, I would like to remind everyone another has opened and this one is much bigger and more full of possibilities that only we can do what we want with it. Embrace life and whatever you do, do not ever fear the future.”
Logan Bandy gives the Aspirations for the Class of 2023. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Two retiring teachers were also honored, Lisa Stephenson who is retiring after 30 years at SCHS, and Matt Pokojski who is retiring after 28 years.
SCHS band performs at graduation. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
SCHS Choir performs at graduation. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
