On Sunday, June 2nd, La Porte High School celebrated the departure of their Class of 2013 graduates in addition to their long-time principal, Gregory Handel. The commencement ceremony began with the annual march of the graduates from the high school auditorium to Kiwanis Field.
As the students entered, fighting to keep their caps from getting caught by the wind, the traditional sound of the graduation march, Pomp and Circumstance, was performed in greeting by the La Porte High School Wind Ensemble. After the Star-Spangled Banner, the soon-to-be graduates retired to their seats as three of their peers rose to greet them with motivational speeches.
This year, the class of 2013 was addressed by the Salutatorian, Kurt Urbanski, and two Co-Valedictorians, Jacob Applegarth and Nathan Gerick. Each speaker encouraged their class to walk towards their futures with positive force. As Urbanski said, “Even when you’re down, don’t lose hope, stay positive, stay motivated, and good things will come your way.”
In a way, the message in their speeches also applied to their principal, Gregory Handel. Like the graduates, Handel is getting ready to move on to a new phase in his life. Retiring this year, Handel was honored by his last graduating class as he was by his first; with each student applying brightly colored stickers to his suit jacket. Regarding his retirement, Handel said, “It’s still a little early to say goodbye. This is a great group of kids. I’ve worked with kids most of my life, but it was time for me to be with my own grand kids.”
After the Salutatorian and Co-Valedictorians completed the speeches, Handel rose to give his own address. Handel encouraged the graduates to be constant seekers of truth by vigilantly questioning perception and asking questions.
He stated, “Base your decisions on reality, on truth. Before you say or do anything, stop, think, and ask. Ask, is it true, ask is it helpful, ask is it inspiring, ask is it necessary, and finally, ask is it kind—based on your answers, stop, think and ask one last time and then decide how you want to act. Think twice, be careful with your perceptions, and have a great day!”
With these words, the graduates rose alphabetically to receive their hard-earned degrees. The Class of 2013 and their principal will be missed. As Gerry Wiley, the head of the high school guidance department said, “This is a special one particularly because it is Mr. Handel’s last. It’s been a good group and we are very proud of them.”