Wawasee High School graduating Class of 2015 sits during its graduation ceremony. (Photos by Sarah Wright)

Wawasee High School held its 47th annual commencement exercises at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, in its gymnasium — and for the first time, it was air-conditioned. To a full gym, 213 students heard their names called by Assistant Principal Vince Beasley prior to them crossing the platform to receive their diplomas from Principal Mike Schmidt.

Superintendent Dr. Tom Edington welcomed those who had gathered and shared that in the graduating class 57 were graduating with Academic Honors Diplomas, 11 with Technical Honors Diplomas, 18 with Academic & Technical Honors Diplomas, 77 with Indiana Core 40 Diplomas and 31 with general diplomas. Edington then introduced Senior Class President Brandon Michael Fox, who provided the student welcome.

Wawasee’s Vocal Motion show choir led the gymnasium in the national anthem before the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” processional of graduates began. The invocation was led by graduating senior Courtney Linnemeier. She was followed on stage by fellow classmate and Senior Class Vice President Zoë Berg, who introduced the salutatorian, Kendra Miller.

Salutatorian Kendra Miller delivers her address.

Miller’s address was one of reflections, memories and friendships, in addition to excitement of what was to come for the Class of 2015. She noted the class had experienced tears, loss and heartache, but it had made them the people they are today. She encouraged classmates to take kind actions as they went on with their lives. Her speech was followed by Vocal Motion’s performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

Colfax Cannady, class secretary, then introduced the 2015 valedictorian Brock Spangle, who used a selfie stick to capture the moment with the whole Class of 2015 in the background before giving his speech. Spangle quoted Einstein, noting everyone was a genius in their own right and that they should focus on their own unique talents. He noted all the accomplishments of the 2015 class, from helping as sophomores to put together WHS’s first PowWow to bringing back pep rallies and participating in the biggest cheer block. He encouraged classmates to carry their influence beyond the walls of WHS.

Valedictorian Brock Spangle takes his turn at the podium.

Throughout the proceedings, the absence of two students could be felt: Casey Ochs, who passed away in 2013, and Chelsea Fetters, who passed away two weeks before graduation. A candle was lit in their honor near the stage; several female graduates opted to leave their roses near it. Spangle noted this loss in his speech, as did others, while encouraging classmates to dwell on the good memories. Schmidt also spoke on the loss in his principal address, which followed Spangle’s speech, having to pause briefly before continuing. He noted the class of 2015’s accomplishments and how they had rose to his challenge to be leaders. He concluded by saying, “I’m truly blessed to have had such a caring senior class.”

Once the diplomas were issued by Schmidt and Beasley, Senior Class Treasurer Megan Goralczyk led the Class of 2015 in the traditional turning of the tassels. The graduation continued with a candle lighting ceremony led by Dr. Joyce Dubach and the singing of the “Wawasee High School Hymn.”

Graduate Caleb Dingeldein offered the benediction before the recessional led the WHS Class of 2015 to the parking lot for the tossing of their mortarboards.