Washington High School’s 118th commencement was held Thursday, May 23, in the Blue Jay Gymnasium.
There were 314 seniors in the Class of 2019.
Washington High School Principal Dr. Kelle McCallum welcomed guests to commencement followed by the band performing “Pomp and Circumstance,” by Elgar Polyhar.
The WHS JROTC was on hand for the presentation of colors.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Payton Ruediger, Vice President of the Class of 2019.
The WHS choir performed the school song and the national anthem.
Assistant Principals Dr. Joe Dierks and Mary Kleekamp announced students earning honors and high honors.
Assistant Principal Shawn Wallace announced the students who gave addresses.
School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Lori VanLeer gave the superintendent’s message.
John Freitag, President, spoke on behalf of the Board of Education.
Scott Morgan, retiring math teacher, presented the Class of 2019.
Board of Education members presented diplomas.
Sophie Koritz, Class President, led the seniors in the turning of the tassel.
McCallum gave closing remarks.
The student marshalls were juniors Matt Amlong and Megan Duncan.
Class of 2019 officers were Sophie Koritz, President; Payton Ruediger, Vice President; Hannah Dodson, Secretary; Haley Oetterer, Treasurer; and Olivia Emke and Kamryn Mitchell, student representatives.
Senior class sponsors were Cathy Jinkerson and Kathryn Laurentius.
This year’s class song was “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts.
The class flower was White Rose.
The class motto was, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us,” Ralph Waldo Emerson.
The class gift was podium and lobby seating.
Click here for the video broadcast of Washington High School’s 118th commencement, which was shown via a live stream.
Photos of some of the graduates prior to the ceremony are below.
