It was a celebratory atmosphere in the parking lot outside of the Fisher Field at Warsaw Community High School graduation Friday night, June 3. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

Staff Report

WARSAW – The class of 2022 – who were sophomores when the COVID-19 pandemic began – celebrated graduation under perfect conditions outdoors with a packed crowd at Fisher Field Friday night, June 3.

In all, 509 students earned diplomas or certificates of attendance, including six exchange students, according to Warsaw Community Schools.

In his address, Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert reflecting offered a few thoughts and pointed out many of the graduates started kindergarten in the Warsaw school system.

“Your chapter is also leaving a legacy in the 177-year history of Warsaw Schools. You have all set the bar high in new and unimaginable ways. You will be missed, yet we will be watching your story unfold and the new chapters unfold from afar,” Hoffert said.

A welcome address was given by Troy Akers and then by Hannah Shapiro, Student Body President. After a moment of remembrance for Kurt Engler, the commencement address was given by Jessica Pogue.

Pogue mentioned the difficulties presented by COVD-19 and the challenges of being a senior, but declared at the start of her address, “We did it!”

The Presentation of the Class of 2022 Diplomas began with Emelyn Aca-Zempoaltecatl and concluded with Nathan Riley Ziegler. The honor of leading the Turning of the Tassels was given to Mia Scutchfield, Senior Class President.

The Class of 2022 Class flower is the Snapdragon. Class colors are Gold and Sage Green. The Class motto is, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory,” by Dr. Seuss.

In a statement issued Friday night, Warsaw Community Schools thanked its community partners – Warsaw Police Department, WIOE, Blosser’s, MAB Productions, Mobile Technologies, and Open Air Garden.