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VWHS, L’view hold graduation ceremonies

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Seniors at Van Wert and Lincolnview high schools graduated this past weekend, with both schools holding commencement exercises on Sunday afternoon.

VWHS senior Katelyn Welch speaks during the school's 145th annual commencement exercise on Sunday afternoon. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)
VWHS senior Katelyn Welch speaks during the school’s 145th annual commencement exercise on Sunday afternoon (click here for more photos) (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)

At Van Wert, 118 seniors received diplomas from members of the Van Wert City Board of Education. The event began with a processional played by the VWHS band, directed by Robert Sloan, followed by “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The Van Wert High School choir, under the direction of Julie Reichert, then sang, “It’s So Hard to Say Good-bye to Yesterday” by Perrin and Yarian, followed by “Benediction” by John Ness Beck”, which included soloists LeAndryce Miller and Jakob Schaufelberger. Marilyn Alessandrini accompanied the choir.

Three speakers were chosen to address the VWHS Class of 2016. They included Katelyn Welch, Nick White, and Cade Fleming, who all provided advice and reminiscences for their fellow classmates.

Following the speakers, the Class of 2016’s nine Graduates of Distinction were honored by Superintendent Ken Amstutz with certificates and special medallions denoting their achievement. Graduates of Distinction must be in the top 10 percent of their class, based on class rank, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.85 or higher, must successfully complete a minimum of three Advanced Placement courses (six are offered at VWHS), and have no incidents of cheating or plagiarism reported to the principal’s office.

This year’s honorees included Shianne Baldwin, Jacob Covey, Cade Fleming, Domonique Grothause, Andrew Hammond, Shelbee Miller, Andrew Myers, Sandy Nguyen, and Katherine Trittschuh.

Amstutz then made remarks in presenting the Class of 2016, as did Board of Education President R.J. Coleman.

Board members then awarded diplomas, followed by a final rendition of the school “alma mater”, and the traditional tossing of mortarboards.

The class the recessed from the gym to the sounds of “Slow March from Scipio” by George Frederic Handel.

Lincolnview class president and salutatorian Colton Snyder speaks during Lincolnview's graduation ceremonies on Sunday (click here for more photos). (Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent)
Lincolnview class president and salutatorian Colton Snyder speaks during Lincolnview’s graduation ceremonies on Sunday (click here for more photos). (Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent)

At Lincolnview, 66 seniors received diplomas during the Class of 2016’s commencement service, held in the high school gymnasium.

Students processed into the gym to the strains of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the Lincolnview High School Band, under the direction of Anna Baker.

Sarah Cowling gave the invocation, while Lincolnview High School Principal Brad Mendenhall spoke briefly.

The Lincolnview choir, under the direction of Stacie Korte, sang “Maybe We’ll Meet Again” by Greg Gilpin, following by the band’s rendition of “Hope Springs Eternal” by Andrew Poor.

Speakers at Lincolnview’s graduation included co-valedictorians Ashton Bowersock and Marcy Shoppell, as well as class president and salutatorian Colton Snyder.

Superintendent Jeff Snyder then spoke, prior to Mendenhall’s presentation of the class to receive their diplomas from members of the Lincolnview Local Board of Education.

Class president Colton Snyder then accepted diplomas on behalf of the class, followed by the singing of the Lincolnview “alma mater” and traditional tossing of mortarboards.

POSTED: 05/23/16 at 7:51 am. FILED UNDER: News