New Philadelphia High School graduates move onward and upward

Fifty-three sets of honor cords for graduating cum laude, summa cum laude, and magna cum laude, 42 gold National Honor Society tassels and a total of 44 honors diplomas were granted as the New Philadelphia High School Class of 2013 made their way across the platform at the Woody Hays Quaker Stadium on Saturday, May 25, at 7:30 p.m. The 233 graduates represented hundreds of thousands of hours of late night studying, time spent on term papers and countless cafeteria meals, as well as immeasurable lifetime friendships and treasured memories.“It is notable that almost 25 percent of our graduating seniors graduated with A and above grade point averages,” said New Philadelphia City Schools superintendent Bob Alsept. “We are very proud of the many things they have accomplished and their contributions to our community along the way.”Cold temperatures caused many in the audience to don winter coats and huddle in blankets in order to keep warm. The New Philadelphia Symphonic Band played the traditional Pomp and Circumstance during the processional, followed by the National Anthem and the singing of the school’s alma mater by the select Delphian Chorale members. An invocation was given by student Laura Ruegsegger. Class president Nick German then addressed his classmates, and then Student Council president Laini Leindecker spoke of the good times and special memories shared by classmates. Although New Philadelphia, like many other Ohio districts, no longer specifically names valedictorian or salutatorian ranks in its senior class, during his commencement speech National Honor Society president Aaron Baumgardner called on his fellow classmates to applaud Taylor Willis, “who, although not formally recognized, is still our class valedictorian with the highest grade point average.” The students cheered loudly in response. Baumgardner then proceeded to give an entertaining and inspiring speech using notable quotes from famous people throughout history. A relatively new tradition for the graduation ceremony is the presentation of a video compiled by the high school staff. The video, displayed on a giant screen in the stadium end zone, had the staff reciting individual lines from the classic Dr. Seuss picture book, Oh the Places You’ll Go! as a send off tribute to the departing senior class. Diplomas were presented by board of education members and student Sara Gerber gave the benediction as the band closed with the recessional. “It’s hard to believe that we’re now graduates, and that we’re moving on,” admitted Emma Weaver as she celebrated with her closest friends. Weaver graduated magna cum laude and will be attending the University of Cincinnati in the fall to study design with a focus on environmental issues. “We’re really and truly going out into the world.”The New Philadelphia High School class of 2013 chose as its class song The Beatles’ tune Here Comes the Sun, and as their class motto, Matthew Arnold’s quote: “Life is not a having and a getting, but a being and a becoming.”