Seniors entering the field.

Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Hot temperatures didn’t detour thousands of family and friends of graduates from Warsaw High School’s Class of 2023 to attend commencement Friday evening, June 2. Many used umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun as they sat on bleachers around Fisher Field.

Approximately 468 students became the 178 class to graduate from Warsaw Community High School.

Commencement featured five speakers: Troy Akers, principal; Keely Roe, student body president; Hallie Bledsoe, senior class president; Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent; and Angelica Garcia Ponce, a graduating senior who gave the commencement address.

Ponce presented a heartfelt speech, sharing a major part of her life. She spoke about the beginning of high school and all the thoughts going through her mind. “Little did I know that those precious memories and strong friendships would be formed here. … Some of our stories are heartbreaking and unthinkable for many of us. Today means so much more than receiving a diploma.”

Troy Akers gives the welcome address.

She spoke of growing up knowing first hand about domestic violence, being raised by a single parent, growing up in an old run down house and seeing her mother with tears in her eyes. “Our house had no running water or heater. We didn’t even have a stove or oven.” She spoke of seeing her mother looking miserable and learning years later that no matter how hot it was outside she (her mother) felt cold and depressed. “I barely saw a smile on her face.” But that changed. She told the story of a cold day in 2019 while sitting in their car in the driveway with a blank expression on her mother’s face. “I remember feeling my nose was stuffy and wanting to blow my nose.  I did what other kids did. I started picking my nose. I climbed into the front seat and told my mom ‘Look mom my burgers are yellow.’ She immediately let out the biggest laugh and smile ever. It was such a beautiful smile.

I know what you’re thinking. That’s it? Your mom laughed over yellow burgers? That’s the beginning of a long story,” She went on to say how her mom saved money and had the house renovated and she no longer feels cold and wears a smile every day. “When my mom first became a single parent all those years back she was told ‘you will never be able to raise her without me.’ We’re here today. My mom was able to raise me on her own and I think she’s done a pretty amazing job. So for me today means I am standing here presenting my mom’s hard work. Mama, wherever you are sitting in the stands, I want you to know the diploma I receive today is also yours.”

Ponce had a moral to her story. “Keep going. You can do it.” she believes each one of her classmates will do amazing things in the world. “After all we are the next generation to make change.” She also told her classmates she was proud of them. She also offered this advise: “First don’t let anyone or any thing steal your smile. Second, take care of yourself. You are important and you should always come first. Lastly, believe in yourself. You are strong and you are powerful. Don’t ever think for a second that you can’t reach your goals … remember we are here cheering for you. … Don’t ever loose your smile. We did it.”

Roe’s address to the seniors also offered a challenge. A challenge to remain curious. “Tonight I want you to consider the new found opportunity you have to be curious and to continue your education. Curiosity is one of the greatest gifts that we have been given.  Without curiosity we would not live with the luxuries we have today and innovation would not have progressed to this point.” She encouraged classmates to set aside time on a regular basis to find joy and bliss in unknown subject areas and to learn about something “purely because you are interested in it.” She also stated that curiosity is the key to problem solving.

“You will experience failure, challenge, difficulty …allow yourself to feel your emotions and learn from experiences going through. To the parents and family members in the audience, I encourage you to let us fail. Allow us to experience the growth that can comes out of mistakes. If you always step in to save us, we can never become our own individuals. … we’ll be stronger citizens if we’re allowed to experience every emotion: grief, anxiety, sadness, failure, joy, happiness, excitement, curiosity. Graduates, curiosity is the key to your future, no matter what happens in your life … I urge you to question the world around you, become curious about the things you will say and the things you will do. …”

Dr. David Hoffert addresses the class of 2023.

During Dr. Hoffert’s remarks, he spoke not only as a superintendent, but also as a parent of a 2023 graduate. Noting while going through items for the upcoming open house, he ran across a photo that brought back the question “Dad, will you catch me?” and his response, “Yes I will catch you. I’ll aways be there to catch you no matter what.”

He said, now 13 years later, he wonders if he did a good job catching his son? “I have to say no, because there was a whole team behind us catching each one of you as seniors. Spouses, siblings, teachers, coaches, community leaders, friends, teammates, neighbors have all been there to catch you along the way.” He said while this chapter is coming to an end, the catches are going to look just a little bit different from here on out. … about to enter into the world and become catchers yourselves. We know you are going to be life changers for future generations.”

Akers and Ben Barkey, WACC director, joined Hoffert, in presenting the diplomas. Also in attendance were WCHS and WACC administrators, guidance counselors, teachers, and the board of school trustees, including Heather Reichenbach, president; Randy Polston, vice president; Elle Turley, secretary; Tom Westerhof; Matt Deuel; Brad Johnson; and Denny Duncan.

The evening’s ceremony ended with a fireworks display as the graduates left the football field and headed out to meet family members.