Karns City graduation carries sweet theme
Karns City High School student remarks sounded sweet to their peers and parents at commencement, as each speech title related to an ice cream flavor.
On the high school football field, 121 students from the Class of 2022 received their diplomas at the Wednesday ceremony.
Superintendent Eric Ritzert said in a phone interview that the proceedings were well-attended and positive.
“The mood was uplifting,” he said. “It turned out to be a really nice event.”
Mason McNany, president of the senior class, gave a speech titled “Rocky Road,” where he alluded to the struggles placed upon students by the pandemic.
“I don’t know how to start with the rocky road we’ve traveled this year,” he said. “From being in school to staring at our computers at home, it’s been a fun, but bumpy road for sure, but it seems we’ve gotten through it together.”
Salutatorian Amber Maurer called her speech “Versatile Vanilla." Valedictorian Ashley Fox’s was called ”Sanguine Sorbet.“ Each made light of the opportunities for character growth despite difficulties in the present world.
“Similar to the versatility of vanilla ice cream, school provides us with opportunities to become well-rounded individuals,” Amber said. “Throughout our time at Karns City High School, we gained a quality education that serves as our foundation as we progress through our adult lives.”
“It’s time to venture out and try something new like this new word, ‘sanguine.’ To be sanguine means to be positive, optimistic,” Fox said. “With all the negativity in the world we live in, it’s difficult to find the good through the bad, but that is a choice we get to make. In fact, it is our responsibility to find the good.”
Following the speeches, Principal Brenda Knoll presented the graduates to the audience of parents and friends.
Ritzert congratulated the graduates and recognized the student speakers’ encouraging words.
“I would like to take a moment to compliment the students who spoke this evening for their ability to share such flavorful insights and perspectives on life,” he said. “Graduates, I would ask you to take a moment and reflect on your time here at Karns City, and as you do, I hope that you have fond and happy memories that you can cherish."
Ritzert said he hoped the graduates went into their future endeavors with confidence.
“I believe that as long as you work hard and strive to have a spirit of excellence, an excellence that you have demonstrated throughout your time here at KC, I have no doubt that you will be successful. Go forth and maintain the integrity that you have within by continuing to do what you know is right in all aspects of life, even when no one is looking.”
