Class of 2018 Looks Forward to Graduation
June 4, 2018
Class of 2018 Looks Forward to Graduation
As final exams inch closer, the seniors of GHS are looking forward to crossing the stage and receiving their diplomas at Graduation on Sunday, June 10.
Planning Graduation has been in the process for a while.
“Last week Wednesday was our fourth meeting, with the first being on March 28th,” Principal Steve Lodes said. “The planning team consists of me, the Senior Class Officers and our three co-valedictorians.”
Being a part of the Graduation ceremony is something the senior class officers are looking forward to.
“I’m looking forward to congratulating my peers as they get their diplomas,” senior class officer Sam Henschel said.
Along with the turning of the tassels and the presentation of the diplomas, each of the valedictorians, seniors Kelly Hanlon, Rose Irwin, and Nick Schaefer will speak. Each of the class officers will also give a short speech. Senior Jessica Miller was selected as an additional student speaker, and the senior class chose social studies teacher Ben Hubing as the faculty speaker.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the faculty. I have really enjoyed working with many graduating seniors, and am honored to be part of this important day,” Hubing said.
The Valedictorians are excited about the opportunity to address their friends and family as well, but have mixed feelings about actually delivering the speech.
“I’m a little nervous about giving my speech at Graduation. I’m happy with what I’ve written and have practiced a lot, but I know I’ll definitely have some nerves on the big day just because of how important it is to me,” Hanlon said.
Schaefer feels similarly but is a little less nervous for his speech.
“I’m not too nervous for my speech,” he said. “I may become more nervous when I actually stand up in front of all the people, but I’m excited right now because I believe my speech is very good.”
Senior class officer Andrew Crapitto is not nervous about speaking in front of his peers; in fact, it is one of the parts of the ceremony he is looking forward to the most.
“I am most looking forward to getting to speak and just celebrate in general all of our successes as a class,” he said.
As is tradition, the senior choir and orchestra students will perform one last song as part of the Greendale Music Department.
“The Choir will be performing ‘From Now On’ from The Greatest Showman. This song was voted on and chosen by the senior choir members. The Orchestra will accompany the choir while they sing,” senior class officer and choir member Corinne Bialo said.
As the seniors prepare to leave the halls of Greendale High School, they all have at least one positive memory that they will carry with them long after Graduation.
For Hanlon, her favorite memory came during her senior year.
“I have so many great memories of being at Greendale High School. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be Homecoming Week this year, specifically participating on the Powderpuff football team. It was tons of fun being part of the team and working together with my fellow senior girls to learn the plays and get hyped up for the game,” she said.
Schaefer’s favorite memory also came during the fall of senior year and also involves being surrounded by his friends
“My favorite memory of high school is playing varsity football. I especially loved playing my senior year on the offensive line. There is nothing like playing football with all of your closest friends, and it is a very rewarding experience because of all the hard work that is put in,” he said.
For Henschel, her favorite memory has lasted throughout her four years at the G.
“My favorite memory of high school is my amazing teachers who made their learning environments so dynamic. Every single teacher I’ve had here has unmatched drive, passion, and respect,” Henschel said.
All in all, while the last four years have gone well and are memorable for most of the Class of 2018, they are looking forward to receiving their diploma and moving on to the next chapter of their lives.
As the faculty speaker for Graduation, one of Hubing’s roles is to impart advice on the graduates.
“Teddy Roosevelt once said, ‘Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.’ I agree very strongly with this sentiment! I hope graduates find a path in life that is challenging, satisfying, and meaningful,” he said.