Caps and confetti fly as the Tippecanoe Valley High School graduation ceremony ends on Sunday, June 5, in the TVHS gym. There were 143 graduates in the Class of 2022. InkFreeNews photos by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

AKRON — The Tippecanoe Valley High School Class of 2022 has received its turn in the spotlight.

The class, made up of 143 graduates, had its commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 5, at the TVHS gym.

In his speech at the ceremony, TVHS Principal Brandon Kresca noted he picks a character quality that encompasses each graduating class. For the Class of 2022, it was “endearing.”

“The definition of endearing is inspiring love and affection,” he said. “In talking with your teachers they have all mentioned that they will most miss your love for yourselves, for each other, for your school and for life itself. The best part of all of you are your smiles and the ways that you look at life.”

He encouraged graduates to hold tight to their memories with one another.

“Class of 2022, I know that each and every one of you will be successful as you embark on your new journeys,” he continued. “I am extremely confident that you are all equipped to face the challenges that life will throw at you. If you get knocked down, Class of 2022, I know you will get back up and you will be stronger than ever.”

“I wish that all of you live your life to the fullest,” he said. “Be the best version of yourself you can be. Just as our favorite Viking Mr.(Jeff) Shriver and many others in this community have modeled before you, remember good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best.”

Valedictorian Sydney Petersen challenged her fellow classmates in her speech to discover their identities.

“This is a question that each of us has spent the last 13 years trying to prepare for and come up with an answer to, but it isn’t something you can Google,” she said. “While some of us have an idea of who we want to become and what we want to do, others don’t. Not all of us know what we want to be when we grow up yet, and that’s OK.”

“While high school was fun, it helped us create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime,” she said. “The time has come for us to turn a page in our lives. We’ve moved on from our childhoods into adulthood and now it’s time to find our passion. It’s time to learn what we will want to be if we haven’t figured it out yet or follow our dream if we already have.”

“Class of 2022, I want to challenge you to continue to push yourself to your fullest potential no matter where your life may lead,” she said.

Salutatorian Shane Wood also encouraged his fellow classmates to explore their identities by “Never stop discovering who you are.”

“Never stop slowing down … and never be satisfied,” he also added.

TVHS Principal Brandon Kresca speaks during the ceremony.

Valedictorian Sydney Petersen speaks.

Salutatorian Shane Wood talks.

Mallory Bowers, left, receives her diploma and a handshake from Tippecanoe Valley School Board President Tom Bauters.

Drew Thompson, left, shakes TVHS Assistant Principal Dayna Kolanowski’s hand.

Thomas Clark, left, receives his diploma from Bauters.

Morgan Smith’s cap reflects her faith and future career in nursing.

Kaiden Meade, center, stands with his father Josh Meade, left, and stepmother Donna Meade after the ceremony. Kaiden Meade notes his future plans include becoming a pilot.