West Holmes sends 2026 grads into a world filled with hope

On Sunday, May 17, the West Holmes Local School community joined a host of graduates to celebrate the commencement ceremony at West Holmes High School.

Senior class officer Jevin Zheng welcomed everyone to the commencement ceremony and thanked all who have played a role in nurturing and teaching the graduates along their journey through school.

“All (we’ve) done, all the hard work, was for this moment,” Zheng said. “However, we could not have made it without all of the support in the background.”

She introduced the school board, administration and staff for their guidance and help.

Senior officer Katherine Kaster followed by thanking individuals who helped create this day, then had all parents stand to be recognized.

“We thank you for all your love and support over the years,” Kaster said, addressing the parents.

Class officer Aubree Young recognized this year’s retirees in the district, and fellow officer Rebecca Betram spoke about the class’ school legacy.

She said the class wanted to create something that benefited all future students and opted to focus on a new projector screen in Excalibur Theater. She said the new screen will provide many modern technological updates that will make presentations and assemblies more enjoyable for students and staff.

Salutatorian Parker Garver addressed his classmates, touching on how important others are in making the entire education process both enjoyable and meaningful including staff, administration and coaches.

“High school has been a pretty good experience,” Garver said. “I’m sure every senior thinks of a different moment. We all shared in some special moments throughout this short time in school.”

He then thanked some special people, among them his parents, for making him the person he is today.

“Thank you all. I really could not be the person I am today without any single one of you, and you have my endless appreciation,” Garver said. “I hope everyone here can look back fondly at our time here at West Holmes and go on to do great things. I know that if you’ve made it this far, you can keep going. Set goals, work toward them and live the life you want for yourself. It’s our turn to go make the world a better place.”

The West Holmes band members played the senior song, followed by valedictorian Kaster, who spoke to her classmates about what an honor it was to be part of the Holmes County community.

“I feel like I understand this better than most because I’m from a lot of different places,” Kaster said.

The daughter of a U.S. military member, she said she has lived in six states and a foreign country, moving every so often as they were reassigned.

“After living in all of these places, every one of them has good and bad parts of living there,” Kaster said. “Through this you learn to focus on the good, take what you can from the bad and overall make the most of it.”

From Virginia, Washington, Louisiana and Germany — from where she visited 16 different countries, experienced world history and new cultures, and even attended the 75th anniversary of D-Day in France — to New York and finally Holmes County, she spoke about the good and bad of each of her stops.

“It was not as open and welcoming here as I was accustomed to in the military community, where everyone is used to people from different backgrounds moving in and out,” Kaster said.

She said as she grew up, she began making new friends and enjoyed several sports and even spoke about her roots here despite being the new kid on the block.

Kaster said she came to realize Holmes County is unique and special, somewhere safe and connected in ways the other places were not.

“The community here really cares about us youth and what we’re doing,” Kaster said, noting the way families and the community support events and students and the support the community gives through scholarships. “It’s not perfect here, nor is it anywhere, but this is a good place to live.

"We are lucky to be from here. No matter where each of us go, let us not forget our roots and be thankful for the community that raised us. Holmes County is something we will forever have in common. If we stay or if we go, this is home.”

The West Holmes choir then performed, followed by West Holmes High School Principal Scott Pringle, who recognized those in the military before turning his attention to the seniors.

“After years of hard work, dedication and countless hours of study, you’re now going to be an alumnus of West Holmes,” Pringle said.

Superintendent Eric Jurkovic also congratulated the graduates, noting this day has come quickly.

“Today has been a day you’ve been working toward for years,” Jurkovic said. “Take a look around you. These people who share this journey have shaped who you are today. Some have been part of your life for years, others only briefly, but all of them helped you get where you are today.”

Jurkovic discussed the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, the Places You'll Go,” a famous children’s book that talks about life.

He said it is simple, colorful and playful yet contains the message that life is filled with joys and challenges.

“It doesn’t pretend the journey is easy,” Jurkovic said. “It talks about the highs when everything clicks and you feel confident, capable and unstoppable; it talks about the lows when you feel stuck, unsure and alone.

“But here’s the truth. No one has it all figured out, not even the people who seem to have it all figured out. Life isn’t a straight path; it is a series of choices, chances, mistakes and moments of courage.”

He said Dr. Seuss calls that the waiting place, where people wait for the right moment, the right feeling and the right answer to life’s many questions.

“If you stay there too long, life moves on without you, so don’t wait,” Jurkovic said. “Don’t wait until you feel ready. Don’t wait until you’re certain. Don’t wait until you’re perfect. Start anyway.

“Try the things that make you just enough to matter because movement, even uncertain movement, is always better than standing still. You will face setbacks, and things won’t always go your way, but failure isn’t a sign to stop. It’s part of how you grow.”

He said each student has faced challenges already, and they are here now, and being someone who shows up, respects other, listens and cares about others will determine their path in life.

He said each student needs to enjoy the journey by celebrating each moment.

The West Holmes alma mater then ushered the students into new pastures filled with excitement, a little fear of the unknown and, above all, hope.