Marissa graduated from WCHS on Friday, May 31st.
'Just like that, after four years at Eisenhower Elementary, two years at Howett Academies, 1 year at Washington STEM Academy, two years at Edgewood Middle School and four years at WCHS, it has finally all come to an end on a beautiful Friday night. The skies were clear and temperatures were in the 70's. We were so thankful for that, especially since Marissa's class had over 500 students and would take around 2.5 hours from start to finish.
We had to drop Marissa off at 6:00 so she could get into line and hear final instructions and then the gates opened for spectators. We were able to watch a slideshow with pictures until 7:00 when the graduates began to march onto the football field in two rows. Thankfully we knew that Marissa would be coming down in the row right in front of the home bleachers -- and she was wearing bright neon pink shoes so she was definitely easy to spot.
Gramie C was sitting down closer to ground level so she was able to take a better picture of Marissa as she walked by.
The ceremony started by the JROTC bringing in the flags for the Presentation of the Colors and the National Anthem. Then we heard a welcome from the Principal of the school and then the Student Body President before having a moment of silence and remembrance for a staff member who passed away earlier in the year. Then the class president gave another address to the students and the superintendent gave a few remarks before each student was presented and given their diplomas.
Marissa would graduate with the following honors:
Academic Honors Diploma
National Honors Society Designation
Summa Cum Laude
Top 5% of her class - Ranked 21st out of 502
As you can imagine, we are very proud of Marissa and her hard work and accomplishments. Our prayer for her is that she uses the gifts and abilities that God has given to her to bless many around her in the years ahead.
(These pictures were taken from a photographer on site and were posted to the school's youtube channel. I apologize because they are pretty grainy)
My nephew Rafe also graduated and he walked across the stage just a few in front of Marissa.
After everyone received their diplomas, the class was asked to stand and they were finally able to turn their tassels and toss their caps into the air in celebration.
Congratulations Class of 2024! You did it!!
After the ceremony was over, the graduates exited the field first and headed into the adjoining parking lot to take pictures and gets last hugs from their friends. We remembered the chaos of trying to find Morgan the year before so we had prearranged a meeting space in advance this year and we were able to find both Rafe and Marissa easily afterwards.
So glad to get a picture of Rafe along with my sister Tina, my niece Brogan, and my parents. It was truly a blessing to share this night with them.
And then a large picture of all of us and both graduates together
And then we took time just taking pictures with Marissa and some of her friends as they began to walk by.
Marissa and Claire -- 'LOVE the shoes!
Marissa and Chase. (Good luck to Chase as he pursues an acting career and attends Ball State University in the fall.)
Marissa and Isaac. (Good luck to Isaac as he will attend Purdue Fort Wayne)
Marissa and her Swim Sisters
Marissa and Emma.
And then Marissa and all of her family
It was a great way to celebrate our second high school graduate.
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