The commencement exercises for Antwerp High School Class of 2015 took place on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Antwerp High School gymnasium. The ceremony was opened by principal Mike Bute. The high school band proceeded to play the National Anthem and then processional as the graduates paraded through the crowd to the stage. After the graduates were seated, the band commenced to play the school’s alma mater.
Bailee Sigman took the stage next and welcomed the guests to this momentous occasion, followed by Collin Perry who took the crowd on a walk down memory lane of the class’s school history. Gabrielle Zuber introduced the salutatorian, Jacob O’Donnell. He challenged the students and graduates to find what you love and just do it.
Jacob then welcomed the valedictorian (Joshua Steiner) to the microphone where he delivered an inspiring speech about what it means to be accomplished for the graduates and crowd.
Then it was the moment that the students had been waiting 13 long and hard years for – the march to receive their diplomas. Alas, the moment would have to wait one more day. Because of the snow days that had been acquired this school year, the seniors had one more day of mandated school left, so their actual certificates of completions were delivered to them on Monday after the senior breakfast.
The program moved on with Superintendent Patricia Ross certifying that indeed this Cl
ass of 2015 have sufficiently satisfied all criteria under the state of Ohio’s code to graduate from high school.
Gabrielle Zuber, Olivia Tempel, and Elizabeth Bond led the graduates in the turning of the tassel – the symbol of completion.
Joshua Steiner closed the ceremony most eloquently with a quote from St. Augustine, “Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.” Wise words for us all.
Congratulations Antwerp Class of 2015, West Bend News wishes you well.
