The Ada High School Band set the tone for commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2023, opening the event with the familiar notes of Fanfare and Processional by Edward Elgar and the Star Spangled Banner.
Gage Hoffer, the President of the Class of 2023, welcomed guests to the event and led a silent moment of reflection. He also quoted former U.S. President George W. Bush, "To those of you who are graduating this afternoon with high honors, awards and distinctions, I say, 'Well done.' And as I like to tell the C students: You too, can be president."
Ada High School Principal Dan Lee took the podium next to congratulate the graduates who were seated in the center of the room surrounded by their teachers, families and friends. On behalf of the faculty and staff, he said, “We are extremely proud of you…. The Class of 2023 is truly an example of aspiring to excel in all areas of the school experience and the embodiment of a character trait near and dear to my heart: grit.”
Keith Horner, the Apollo Superintendent, recognised the five students who completed programs at the career center.
A musical interlude included Holst’s Themes from First Suite in Eb, performed by the band under the direction of Carter Bivens and a High School Choir performance of When I Grow Up from Matilda, which was directed by Scott Henning.
The ten students who were named as valedictorians were announced by Superintendent Robin VanBuskirk:
- Amelia Alexander
- Kaitlyn Bowden
- Isaiah Broge
- Lily Diehl
- Meghan Erickson
- Dale Hoyt
- Brendan Jameson
- Courtney Sumner
- Robert Waters
- Sabina Zheng
The commencement address was presented by a teacher who is also “graduating” from the Ada Schools–he is retiring after 43 years of service to the district.
David Lusk, Chemistry and Physics teacher, told the assembled crowd that speaking that afternoon was perhaps the most difficult thing he had ever done–and promptly put a box of tissues on the lectern. Among his advice to the students was to work for your love of a job, not for the paycheck. Lusk also spoke about becoming part of the Ada community and the importance of making a difference where you live. He warned students against burning bridges in relationships. And he urged the students to never give up on God, “He will never give up on you.”
Additional details from the event and a list of graduates are provided in the attached program.
One by one, each student was called by name to the stage to be presented with their diploma by Superintendent Van BusKirk and School Board President Matt Gossman.
Finally, Gage Hoffer led his classmates in shifting the tassels on their caps from right to left. Senior Class Advisor Kristin Salyer presented the graduates to the audience and invited the Ada High School Class of 2023 to celebrate their new status with 59 confetti cannons–one for each graduate.
