WHHS Class of 2025 drives into a new world of possibilities
Members of the West Holmes student body representatives led their classmates in the singing of the West Holmes Schools alma mater as they wrapped up their careers as Knights.
On Saturday, May 24, the West Holmes Class of 2025 began a new journey, taking the first steps into a new life during a commencement ceremony at West Holmes High School that saw a group of graduates who have achieved much spend their final moments as Knights.
The West Holmes High School symphonic band played the “Star Spangled Banner” and then ushered in the Class of 2025 with “Pomp and Circumstance.”
Ian Barr, one of the senior class officers, welcomed attendees and told his classmates their hard work and dedication had finally paid off. He also recognized the school board, staff and administration for their effort in guiding the students through the school district on their way to success.
Fellow class officer Kaelyn Alvarado then thanked the members who helped make this day possible and then turned her attention to a very important group of people to whom she asked to stand and be recognized.
“We would like to thank all the parents of the graduating students,” Alvarado said. “Please stand so we can recognize you for all your sacrifice and support over the years.”
One special moment came during a tribute by Autumn Strouse, who paid homage to classmate Brenton Kaufman, a classmate who passed away far too soon. She honored Kaufman for his love of trucks, his passion to connect with others and a moment of silence in his honor.
“He was a true part of what made our time here so special,” Strouse said.
Salutatorian Elijah Piatt then presented his speech, focusing on the topic “That’s Life” and encouraging his classmates to not be afraid to look to others for help as they move into the next phase of life.
“As we move on in life, we will go our separate ways, whether we want to or not,” Piatt said. “That’s life. On the way to success, we will find hardships. I implore you look to others for help.”
After a performance from the symphonic band, valedictorian Sami Latouf explored the good, old days and touched on taking snapshots of the past and how small steps can help everyone overcome self-doubt.
He said in all the mental snapshots of life comes a common theme: doubt.
“Doubt has always influenced my life,” Latouf said. “Everyone here has some experience with doubt. But I’ve learned something. When you give in to doubt, your negative thoughts and fears are more likely to come true. But when you fight it, those are the moments that push you to the next chapter.”
The West Holmes chamber choir performed, setting the stage for WHHS Principal Scott Pringle to present the Class of 2025, bringing their final act as Knights one step closer to finalization.
“Congratulations seniors,” Pringle said. “After years of hard work, dedication and countless hours of study, you will now be alumni of West Holmes High School. We wish you the best on this special day and continued success in the future.”
That allowed West Holmes Schools Superintendent Eric Jurkovic to start the engine on a new car, so to speak, by talking about the journey that lies ahead for each student, comparing that coming adventure to a journey in a car.
“Now it’s time to get where you’re going,” Jurkovic said. “There are no more fallbacks just because you’re a kid, so how do you get where you’re going?”
He began his car journey analogy with the wheels, talking about how the wheel — a circle — has no beginning or end but just continues to go around, allowing people to go forward, backward, left or right.
“With the wheel you’ll never be stuck in a flat spot,” Jurkovic said.
The next part of the journey is having an old map. He compared the old accordion fold-up map like a blueprint of 12 years of education that have become the tool that gave each student exactly what they need.
“You have graduated to something more advanced, but it is going to show you a path,” Jurkovic said. “Sometimes it takes you on a whole new route, but it is still going to help you get where you’re going.”
He then said the weather also is something one must account for when taking a journey.
He said there may be sunny skies, but each person must be aware of the storms that can suddenly crop up, the rainy days and slippery spots.
“Always remember you have the tools to handle it,” Jurkovic said. “You might need to just slow down a little bit, use your windshield wipers and clear the way, but the way is always forward.”
Finally, the last thing he pointed out was the headlights.
He said drivers can only see as far as their headlights allow them to see into the darkness.
“If you think about that, it might be scary, and there is darkness, but there is a destination ahead,” Jurkovic said. “You trust the headlights and follow the light. It is a big part of getting to where you’re going — to have faith.”
He said for the Class of 2025, it’s time to get the journey started, to keep the wheels turning, to follow the map, make adjustments and keep the light in front of them as they continue their respective journey into life.
With that, each graduate got their chance to make that one special trip that starts every high school student’s journey, the one in front of the stage to receive their diplomas, the one that ignites the journey yet to be made.